The term ’emotionally unavailable’ has been thrown around, with very few people understanding what it means. A relationship is the coming together of people who promise to be committed and transparent. However, there are times in a relationship when one partner is emotionally unavailable, consciously or unconsciously.

Emotionally unavailable is when one partner struggles to love and connect with their partner. People in this state don’t want to be vulnerable and honest with their partner. Here are the signs you are the emotionally unavailable partner.

You Keep Giving Mixed Messages

The relationship is all about transparency and being honest with your partner. But when you start giving unclear messages, it signals you are emotionally unavailable. A partner that doesn’t take a stand in a relationship isn’t ready for the long haul. While confusion sometimes sets in during relationships, when it becomes consistent, you need to check yourself.

You Are Seeing Someone Else.

One major trait of an emotionally unavailable person is when you start cheating on your partner. If you are tired of a relationship, you should inform your partner.However, when you start dating someone else and don’t inform your partner, you are a dishonest person.

An emotionally unavailable partner doesn’t care about others’ feelings and only cares about satisfying their own list. The world has moved, and people now practise open relationships. If you still secretly see another person without your partner’s knowledge, you are guilty of emotional unavailability.

You Only Value Sex in Your Relationship.

Are you someone that only loves sex in your relationship? Is all you think of how you and your partner can be intimate? If yes, then you are showing traits of an emotionally unavailable partner. A relationship is more than sex and entails partners to care and look out for one another. It’s only those in shallow relationships that will think of only having sex with their partners. When you start avoiding deep and meaningful conversation with your partner and look out only for sex, you are becoming selfish.

Read Also : 6 Ways to Build Trust in a Relationship

Negative on Past Relationships

Breakups can sometimes be painful, especially when you really love the person. What’s bad is talking about your past relationships without telling the good sides of your ex, there is a problem. Avoid blaming your current partner for your present problems.

Lack of Emotional Expression

Expression of emotion in a relationship is not a sign of weakness, as opposed to what many people might say. Those who really care for their partners are open and care about their feelings. When you start feeling reserved and can talk to your partner about everything going on in your life, you are showing traits of being emotionally unavailable.

Not Involving Your Partner Before Making Crucial Decisions

When in a serious relationship, it’s important to always carry your partner along in all decisions that will affect each other. But when you start taking solo decisions without considering what your partner feels or wants, it could mean you have opted out emotionally. For men, they sometimes feel they need to make the decision, but when you are with someone, you need to ask what they want. Involving your partner shows the trust you have for them and that you cherish the relationship.

You Get Turned Off By Emotional Discussions

Another way to know you are the emotionally unavailable partner is when you refuse to partake in emotional discussions with your partner. When in this position, you always try to change the topic or show disinterest when your partner brings up an in-depth conversation. As couples, you should be able to have any type of discussion with someone you love.

Bottom Line

When you notice the above-mentioned signs, it signals that you are distancing from your partner emotionally. If you still want the relationship to succeed, you need to take appropriate steps.

A relationship without both partners trusting one another is bound to fail. Distrust between couoles is not uncommon, as there are reasons people don’t trust their partners Meanwhile, getting your partner to believe and be honest with you is not automatic; it should be earned.Here are some ways to help  build trust in your relationship.

Have Open Conversations

If you want to build trust in your relationship, be honest. While this makes you vulnerable, it will make your partner trust you more. When you are vulnerable, you are telling your partner that you have nothing to hide, and you want them to know everything about you.

Honesty

Honesty remains one of the best ways to build trust. By being open and transparent in your dealings, your partner knows you value them and care about their mental health. By telling them everything happening in your life, they become more secure and comfortable with you.

Be Empathetic

It is good to be emphatic to your partner as it makes them comfortable. When there are no signs of empathy from your side, your partner may feel alone and isolated. This is especially important if you are dating those with mental concerns; showing you listen and care makes them feel loved.

Don’t Assume

Assumptions can be harmful to relationships as it sends a bad signal to your partner that they don’t care. Your partner should always matter in whatever you do in life. While it could be tricky putting your partner above your friends, it’s the wise thing to do. Make sure your partner is your focus and do everything possible to make them happy. Avoid starting things you can’t finish; keep showing kind gestures, love, and gratitude towards your partner.

Read Also : Best Dating Apps to Find Love

Be Careful when Making Decisions

“When making important relationship decisions, it’s necessary to take your time. Rash judgments can lead to relationships death quickly. Impulsive actions can compound issues, causing serious damage. Therefore, slowing down and making thoughtful decisions is crucial for the health and growth of a relationship.”

Don’t Take Your Partner for Granted

Always respect your partner in every situation. While you might have other relationships like friends and colleagues, your partner should be your priority. They have been in your life for some time, and you should never take them for granted.

Final Thoughts

Building trust  requires some effort from both you and your partner, but it’s worth it. The above-mentioned ways are necessary for those who want their relationship to be stress-free and blissful.

Finding love in today’s world has gone far beyond bumping into someone at the market or locking eyes across a restaurant.

These days, with how fast-paced life is especially in cities like Lagos and Abuja, people are turning to their phones to meet new people.

Dating apps have become the new reality for those looking for genuine connections, and trust me, it’s not as strange as it used to sound.

Now, your next serious relationship could be a swipe away. Whether you’re looking for something casual, long-term, or even marriage, there’s a dating app for you.

But with hundreds out there, which ones actually help you find genuine connection especially from a Nigerian perspective?

Let’s talk about the best dating apps to find love, whether you’re in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, or chilling anywhere In Nigeria.

1. Tinder

Tinder has become a household name across the world, and Nigeria is no exception. While many people associate it with hookups, it’s evolved into a space where real relationships can blossom, if you’re intentional.

Why it works:

Easy to use

Lots of users here in Nigeria

You can meet people both locally and internationally

Timber

2. Bumble

Bumble puts the power in women’s hands literally. After a match, the woman has to message first. That can be refreshing for ladies tired of the usual ‘Hey, fine girl’ DM routines.

Why Nigerians love it:

Safer space for women

Good for professionals and people looking for serious relationships

Encourages real conversations

Bumble

3. Badoo

Badoo is one of the oldest dating apps on the scene, and believe it or not, it’s still very active in Nigeria. It has a strong user base and offers various features like location-based discovery, live video chats, and interest matching.

Why it stands out:

Huge Nigerian user base

Lets you filter by city, interests, and more

Good for casual and serious dating.

Badoo

4. TrulyAfrican

This is one app that focuses specifically on connecting Africans (and people who love African culture). If you’re tired of explaining what suya is or why you love Wizkid, this is your zone.

Why it’s worth trying:

Culturally relevant

Most users are Africans or people interested in African culture

Great for building long-distance connections with shared roots.

5. Muzmatch

For Nigerian Muslims looking for halal love, Muzmatch is a trusted space. It’s faith-based and designed with values in mind, helping people find spouses with similar beliefs.

What makes it special:

Built with Muslim values

Offers privacy controls

Good mix of serious-minded young people.

Muzmatch

Conclusion

Dating in Nigeria today is a blend of tradition and tech. Whether you’re looking for love that leads to marriage or just want to meet someone interesting, the app you choose should reflect your intentions.

Remember, while apps can help you find a match, the real magic happens when you show up as your best self.

Stay open, stay smart, and above all, stay real, because true love responds to authenticity.

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