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Why you could suddenly lose feelings for your partner — and what to do about it

It's possible to feel like you've suddenly lost interest in your partner and that you no longer care for them as you once did.

couple holding hands
  • This isn't always as sudden as it seems as it can be the result of issues that have been building up for some time.
  • In some cases, your sudden loss of interest in your partner could be the result of your discovering you both have different values or goals.
  • When you feel this way, you may want to talk to your partner about it and think about whether or not you still want to stay in a relationship with them.
  • Visit INSIDER.com for more stories .
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In a relationship, it's sometimes possible to feel as though you've suddenly lost feelings for your partner. In some cases, it's difficult to figure out why this has happened and what to do about it.

INSIDER spoke to relationship experts about why how you feel about your partner could have suddenly changed and what you may want to do moving forward.

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Madison McCullough, LCSW , a New York City-based therapist, told INSIDER that this loss of interest oftentimes occurs when "there is something that comes up that indicates a real difference in values or things that will really affect a person's lifestyle."

She said sometimes people may be surprised that these sort of differences don't come up earlier in a relationship even though they seem like immediate deal breakers.

"I believe often individuals can be seeing things through rose-colored glasses and when they take those off and see [their] partner for who they truly are, sometimes they can feel differently than [they once] did and it may feel sudden," Jennifer L. Silvershein, LCSW , a psychotherapist based in New York City, told INSIDER.

She explained that early on in a relationship it's important to see "your partner for who they are from the start and avoid ignoring potential problems or 'red flags." Not doing so could cause you to experience a sudden shift in your feelings down the road.

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"In most cases, a person isn't 'suddenly' over a partner. It has often been brewing for a long time," David Bennett, a certified counselor, relationship expert, author, and the co-founder of Double Trust Dating and Relationships , told INSIDER.

"There just comes a point where something major causes the person to realize they have had enough, such as a major blow-up," he added.

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McCullough said having an open conversation with your partner is the first thing you should do once you begin to process your newfound feelings.

She said you'll want to be honest about how much you're willing to compromise moving forward (if at all) and about why you think you're feeling a sudden lack of love or interest toward the person you're in a relationship with.

Although talking to your partner can help, McCullough said you should also be prepared to potentially end your relationship.

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She said that it's important to recognize the difference between compromising and crossing your own boundaries or neglecting your own needs or values. If you feel like you're ignoring your own needs or compromising your values to be with your partner, the relationship might not be working.

"Sudden endings should be dealt with similarly to any other ending. One needs to respect these feelings and take the time to grieve. After all, it's the death of a relationship, future dreams, and expectations," Dr. Laura Dabney , a marriage counselor and psychologist, told INSIDER.

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