If you want to know whether you’re forcing your relationship or you’re in love, take this romance quiz. It exposes if you’re in a disengaged bond or not.
Are You in Love or Just Forcing It?
If you’re carrying on a relationship despite red flags, lack of compatibility, and absence of romantic chemistry, you are forcing love. However, if you’ve made a conscious effort to build trust and affection with someone you’re attracted to, you are in love.
A forced relationship refers to a toxic connection where one person involved is clearly uninterested in sustaining the relationship or emotionally unavailable.
In many cases, a disengaged relationship arises from attachment traumas. In such a situation, one party enforces commitment upon the other despite an apparent lack of interest.
Signs You Are Forcing Your Relationship
You can generally recognize a forced relationship when you experience constant fear of separation, harbor feelings of resentment that you choose to ignore, avoid conflicts due to potential consequences, and no longer feel physically attracted to your partner.
The following are the most common signs of disengaged romance (source):
- You have a fear of abandonment.
- You are rushing commitment.
- You feel indecisive and resentful.
- You are trying to change each other.
- You’re simply not happy in your relationship.
- You argue too much (or avoid any arguments).
Why Do You Force Love?
According to Alan Robarge, an Attachment Trauma Therapist, relationships are often forced when there is a fear of being alone. The act of trying to make someone love you is an attempt to prove your own worthiness of love. It involves seeking romantic validation regardless of the cost.
You ignore red flags and willingly step into a codependent relationship because letting go would bring out your doubts, insecurities, and unwanted emotions.
How to Stop Forcing Relationships
To prevent forced relationships in your life, understand your attachment style. Care for the emotional wounds that are pushing you to continue toxic bonds. And most importantly, know your worth—even in the absence of validation.
Take these steps:
- Be honest about your feelings. Take some time to review your thoughts about your partner and write down your genuine emotions.
- Discuss your emotions with your partner. See if they’re willing to listen and act.
- Try couples therapy. If you’re both willing to change for the better, then none of you will feel forced into the relationship.
- Stop rushing commitment. Loyalty forms through mutual trust. Instead of rushing it, build the base for it by getting to know each other.
When Is the Time to Let Go of a Relationship?
In love, but it’s not working? You should let go of a relationship when one or both partners are unwilling to address the problems within the relationship. However, if both partners are committed to personal growth and positive change, there is hope to build a reliable, long-term relationship.
Take a Love Quiz to See If You’re Forcing It to Work
To determine whether you’re forcing your relationship or experiencing true love, consider taking this romance quiz. With 20 questions, the quiz can provide valuable insights into your compatibility with your partner.
It’s also a good idea to ask your partner to take this test so that you’re both open about your emotions. (Don’t force them to do so, though.)