A London-based psychotherapist has identified eight subtle behaviors that could indicate your partner is contemplating divorce or a breakup, warning that these signs are often dismissed as everyday occurrences. Marygrace Anderson, a certified hypnotherapist and founder of MG Hypnosis, spoke exclusively to the Daily Mail about the quiet, innocent-looking traits that may signal deeper relationship troubles.
The Danger of Overlooking Subtle Shifts
Marygrace Anderson emphasized that these behaviors can be "very easily dismissed as part of everyday life," adding that this is "exactly why many couples overlook them for far too long." She explained that even when our conscious mind isn't paying attention, our unconscious mind detects trouble, urging people to listen to their intuition or gut feelings.
"You can tell yourself you are overthinking and often make excuses, but when behaviors feel unsettling and are repeated, it is time to take note," revealed Anderson. "It is important to recognise the difference between a one-off incident and a repeated pattern - if it's repeated then it usually signals a deeper issue."
The Eight Warning Signs
1. Sudden LinkedIn Privacy
"Not Instagram. Not WhatsApp. LinkedIn," Anderson stated. She noted that if a partner who was previously visible online suddenly hides their LinkedIn profile or becomes defensive about connections, it could be concerning. "In 2026, LinkedIn has quietly become the go-to network for flirting but under the guise of networking," she explained, particularly with old flames reemerging.
2. Using AI as an Emotional Outlet
Anderson highlighted that when partners turn to ChatGPT, journaling apps, mindset tools, or voice-note AI coaches for comfort instead of confiding in their significant other, it signals trouble. "This action can quietly signal that they no longer feel seen or understood in the relationship," she said, emphasizing that emotional intimacy requires being the first port of call for support.
3. Excluding You from Family Visits
If your partner repeatedly arranges outings or family visits without including you, pay attention, Anderson advised. "It can feel like you are being boxed off and deliberately excluded," she explained, noting that this conscious divide might indicate they are starting to separate their life from yours.
4. Appearance Upgrades Not for You
Noticeable changes in appearance, especially when directed outward rather than toward the relationship, can be a warning sign. "When someone starts directing their mating-display cues outward rather than inward, it can indicate their validation is no longer coming from the relationship," Anderson revealed.
5. Rewriting Relationship History
Anderson warned that when partners start downplaying or altering details of how you met or important memories, it's psychologically significant. "The human mind is wired to reduce emotional discomfort, and if someone is beginning to detach, it creates tension to admit the relationship once felt meaningful," she explained.
6. Public Attention vs. Private Distance
A partner who appears attentive in public but becomes withdrawn and distant at home may be signaling detachment. "Home time starts to feel more like a flat-share than a family," Anderson noted, emphasizing the importance of addressing this emotional withdrawal early.
7. Phone Face-Down Habit
If your partner meticulously turns their phone face down when finished using it, especially at home, it creates psychological distance. "That small action can signal 'there's something here I don't want you to see,'" Anderson said, advising attention to repeated patterns rather than one-off occasions.
8. Unexplained Relationship Anxiety
Sometimes there isn't one dramatic issue, just a niggling feeling that something feels off. "You may feel unseen or you may feel unimportant in your partner's eyes," Anderson explained, noting this applies to all committed relationships, not just marriages.
The Path to Repair
Anderson emphasized that these behaviors can be fixable if addressed properly. "Healthy relationships aren't perfect - but they are responsive. When someone cares, they adjust," she said. She recommended seeking professional support through couples therapy if communication feels stuck or defensive.
"Rather than grieving what has already gone, if you both love each other, you can repair the relationship," Anderson concluded. "Remember that trust and emotional security in relationships can be rebuilt through small, consistent actions. The earlier you address the shift, the easier it is to reconnect before resentment becomes entrenched."
