1. Commitment Issues

It’s no surprise that a person who has been badly wounded from a previous relationship may still be in the process of getting his life back together and learning to put himself first again. The time it takes to do this heavily depends on the person and the weight of circumstances that led to their breakup. In most cases, lack of commitment or compromise is not solely because the person is selfish but it’s because they had every last drop of selflessness sucked out of them.

Other reasons for lack of commitment according to Carl Rusbult, may be explained by Interdependence Theory. Rusbult points out that investment and alternatives are crucial to relationship commitment. For example, for some men, they find few benefits and higher costs in modern relationships that result in low motivation to commit. According to researchers, some men opt to explore relationship alternatives to support their varying needs while others pursue non-committal relationships rather than deeper connections.

Moreover, only when people see their ultimate need for each other through complementary ways, dismiss alternatives and invest in each other, commitment is likely to happen. Whatever the reason for lack of commitment may be, putting up with it is a choice.

2. You’re not in the picture. Yet.

This person may have been accustomed to living his/her life without depending on anyone after the previous relationship. It’s also possible that your SO is still figuring out where you guys are in the relationship, your level of connection and whether he/she sees a future with you. If new in the relationship, it may be understandable. Pushing him/her to include you in every area of his life could be a recipe for disaster. An opportunity and time to allow this person to open his life up to you could help but how long depends on your patience.

3. No attachment safeguard

It’s imperative to understand that the person you’re dating had the nerve to leave something so wonderful and meaningful behind him/her and doing the same to you (no matter what you have) is just an easy peasy. For example, this person had been in a 10-year relationship (have kids) with his teenage sweetheart, but still mastered the strength to leave. How likely will you not experience the same given you’re just dating in the past 2 months?

Sometimes, this person thinks it’s better to walk away than invest more energy and time. This is a hard situation to be in but if you see it’s worth the fight, then a way to make it work is possible.

4. No out-of-their-way act

For a person who is emotionally broken, going the first mile (open himself to date someone new or commit) is probably hard itself what more taking the extra mile. It’s important to understand that like trust, this is something to be earned—as it’s something that was substantially abused before.

You cannot expect your SO to do this right off the bat but experts suggest to lead by example. Showing off how able you are to do this may let you see if he/she is also able to reciprocate.

Clinical depression is the most misunderstood mood disorder. Most people associate it with sadness and pessimism and that it can be avoided with a healthy state of mind. That’s where the problem begins however. It is not a disease that can be treated by choice, but is a serious medical condition that can be addressed with psychotherapy, medications or a combination of the two.

So what do you do if you think your friend or a family member is a victim?

Look for Signs

These can be physical, emotional, behavioral and cognitive symptoms. Clinically depressed people feel hopeless, sad and don’t enjoy activities like other people do. They are also unable to concentrate and find it difficult to make decisions. They may also be forgetful, feel worthless, and express excessive guilt. They don’t feel motivated to do or care about anything. They also tend to complain about different pains, weight gain or loss, and insomnia. If these symptoms are present for days at a time, it might be clinical depression.

History and Triggers

Family history can play a role in determining if the person has a high risk for developing clinical depression. Traumatic events like neglect, abuse and violence are common factors as well as death of a loved one. Alcohol and drug dependency may also result in depression.

Other factors like stress at work or school can also trigger. Depression can also be caused by chemical imbalance in the brain. There is also a study that women are more likely to develop depression than men especially when entering the menopause stage. People with chronic diseases may also develop depression.

How You Can Help

Most people who are depressed however don’t talk about the things that they feel. That is why depression is sometimes called “suffering in silence.” If you know someone who fulfils most of the symptoms above, convince him or her to see a doctor. Sometimes, only a doctor can determine of the person is clinically depressed.

Educate yourself and the people around you so that everyone can contribute. The symptoms of depression can’t be stopped by force of will alone, so telling your depressed friend or relative to cheer up and expect him/ her to be okay is insensitive. Practice patience and show sympathy. Some people think being depressed is like being stubborn.

Being More Understanding

Depressed people often have ideas about self-importance, love and support that are distorted from ours. Telling them to toughen up will not get through to them. If you show them you’re frustrated and exhausted, that will only lead them to withdraw further. Listen and play close attention to conversations.

They usually talk not because they need advice but they need someone who will listen. Do not shame them for being sad because that can cause more guilt. Encourage him/her to do activities that are relaxing and promote positive thinking. Depressed people sometimes think about death as a release from their suffering. If you see signs, take it seriously.

Whether it’s cold or raining outside, or you just want to stay cosy inside, we have a couple of ideas for you and your spouse to enjoy an indoor date night.

1. Dinner and Movie

In the mood to re-watch your favourite series? Go for it! But trade the takeout for a home-made meal. Cook Oyster Sauce Chicken or your favourite pasta dish and pick up a bottle of wine. For the dessert, make your own version of the Mango Sago and Pomelo for a refreshing treat to end your meal.

2. Game Night

Invite your friends and their partners for a friendly competition. Prepare finger foods, snacks, and drinks for everyone to enjoy. Play cards or your favourite board game and throw in a friendly bet to see who gets the most wins.

3. Relive the Memories

Enjoy a bottle of the same champagne you had on your wedding while watching your wedding video together. Talk about the new things you discovered about your partner since you exchanged “I dos”. Keep the talks nice and sweet—no gripping about your spouse’s annoying traits.

4. Catch a Sunset Together

If you haven’t done this during your early dating days, why not do this today? While this idea may be cliché, it can be a very romantic experience for the both of you. Get a blanket and a bottle of wine, and snuggle each other while waiting for the sun to beautifully set.

5. Make a Scrapbook

Collect pictures, starting from your wedding, followed by honeymoon, moving to your home, and the rest of your trips together. Relive all the great times you had together, while filling in blank spaces with photos and sweet quotes.

6. Play “Wish List”

Spice things up between the sheets with this game. To start, each of you should write down three sexual things you always wanted to try on pieces of paper. Fold them and mix them together. Take turns in drawing out one of the wishes, agreeing beforehand to at least try doing everything that’s written down.

Sometimes, the sweetest dates happen in the privacy of our own home. With no one around and having your partner all by yourself makes it comfortable for you to express your love fully and meaningfully whether through words or actions.