Relationships are not always easy to maintain. Over time, couples can find themselves growing apart, and without realizing it, they may drift into a roommate-like dynamic. If you feel like things have changed and you’re questioning whether you’re still truly a couple, keep reading. Here are seven signs that may indicate that your relationship has shifted into a more platonic, roommate-like phase.

1. You Rarely Spend Quality Time Together Anymore

One of the most telling signs that you’re no longer functioning as a couple is a lack of quality time. At the start of a relationship, you make an effort to plan dates, hang out, or even just watch TV together. But now? It feels like both of you are living separate lives under the same roof. According to relationship experts, when you stop prioritizing each other, it’s easy for a romantic relationship to morph into a partnership more suited for roommates.

You might find yourselves in the same room, but each person is on their phone, focusing on their individual activities. This kind of disengagement means you’re no longer nurturing the bond you once shared, which is essential for keeping a romantic connection alive.

2. Physical Intimacy Has Disappeared

Physical touch is a big part of romantic relationships. If you and your partner have stopped being affectionate, it might be a sign that things have shifted. I’m not just talking about sex, but also simple things like hugging, holding hands, or even kissing each other goodbye. These gestures keep emotional and physical intimacy alive.

When physical touch disappears entirely, it’s often a red flag that your relationship has become more of a roommate situation. Research suggests that couples who maintain physical closeness tend to have stronger emotional bonds. Consequently, if you’ve noticed that your relationship has become devoid of these moments, it might be time to reevaluate the dynamic.

3. Communication Feels More Like a Chore Than a Connection

Healthy communication is key in any relationship. But if you notice that your conversations are strictly limited to household chores or bills, that’s a strong sign you’re acting more like roommates. You might ask about each other’s schedules, who’s picking up groceries, or when the rent is due, but deeper conversations about your feelings, plans, or dreams are nowhere to be found.

At one point, you probably shared everything, from random thoughts to serious discussions. But now, it’s more about practicality and less about emotional connection. In a relationship, communication should make you feel closer, not like you’re simply ticking off items on a to-do list.

4. You Sleep in Separate Spaces, or It Feels Like You’re Sleeping Alone

Sharing a bed is a significant part of many romantic relationships. But when couples start drifting into roommate territory, it’s not uncommon for them to sleep in separate rooms or beds. Even if you still share the same bed, it can feel like you’re miles apart if there’s no cuddling or late-night talks. In some cases, partners even create physical barriers like extra pillows or blankets between them.

This kind of separation is a big indicator that something is off. Experts agree that the bed is often where couples reconnect at the end of the day, both physically and emotionally. If this isn’t happening, it’s a sign that your relationship has become more platonic.

5. You’ve Stopped Sharing Your Lives With Each Other

Remember when you couldn’t wait to share the little details of your day with your partner? Whether it was a funny story from work or a random thought, you made it a point to connect. If those moments have disappeared and you no longer feel like sharing your life with your partner, it’s a clear sign things have shifted.

You might realize that you’re more excited to talk to friends or coworkers about what’s going on in your life than your partner. When you start keeping things to yourself or simply don’t feel the need to share, it shows that you’ve lost that sense of emotional connection that differentiates a romantic relationship from a roommate one.

6. Conflict Has Become Non-Existent — And That’s Not a Good Thing

Conflict isn’t necessarily a bad thing in relationships. In fact, healthy arguments can show that both people are invested in making things work. But when couples stop arguing altogether, it can mean they’ve stopped caring. If you find yourselves avoiding conflict altogether, it might be because neither of you has the energy or desire to address the issues in the relationship.

When things are just brushed under the rug, unresolved issues pile up, and over time, both partners can emotionally check out. If your relationship feels more like a peaceful roommate situation because there’s no longer any confrontation, this could actually be a sign that you’ve disconnected emotionally.

7. You Live Separate Lives Under the Same Roof

Ultimately, one of the most obvious signs that you’re no longer a couple is when you’re living completely separate lives while sharing the same home. If you both go to work, come home, and do your own thing without interacting much, it’s a sign that you’ve grown apart. You might as well be living with a friend or a stranger at that point.

In healthy relationships, couples make an effort to spend time together, plan activities, and create memories. But when your lives are so separate that you could live in different homes, and it wouldn’t make a difference, it’s clear that your relationship has shifted to something more like a roommate arrangement.

The Takeaway: Talk to Your Partner and Address These Issues

If you’ve recognized yourself in any of these signs, it’s important to take action. It’s easy to drift apart without realizing it, but that doesn’t mean your relationship is doomed. Talking to your partner about how you’re feeling can be the first action to get back on track.

Experts often recommend couples counseling as a way to reconnect and address the underlying issues that caused the disconnect in the first place. By making a conscious effort to reconnect emotionally and physically, it’s possible to reignite the spark and rebuild your relationship.

7 Signs Your Partner Is Your Best Friend