Mixed Signals in Relationships?

It really is that simple.

Is it easy?

Nah. not always.

And sometimes, if I'm really concerned and the relationship matters to me, I'll talk about it.

But I don't say, "Hey, I'm getting mixed signals," because that's sure to put them on the defensive.

I'm more likely to say, "When you said 'X,' I thought 'Y,' but instead I'm experiencing 'LMNOP.' What am I misunderstanding?"

Not only does that remind me that I may be making assumptions, but it also doesn't put blame on my partner for something they may not even be aware of—or might be super self-conscious about.

But most of the time, I can say any mixed signals are probably me misunderstanding something, and if everything else is good and fine, then I let it be.

And if everything else isn't good and fine, I definitely think it's worthwhile to consider whether the realtionship even needs to be.