One Missed Anniversary Lunch Date Makes Wife Realize She’s In A Marriage Without Love 

Don’t panic if your flame sometimes flickers and doesn’t burn bright

Anna Mathur, a renowned psychotherapist, speaker, and author, is a trusted voice in the world of mental health and relationship counseling. Many people turn to her for real-world advice on how to save a marriage, especially when the emotional connection feels lost.

In an interview with Bored Panda, Mathur explained that love and passion naturally evolve as a relationship matures. “The flame doesn’t have to look the same as it did in the early days,” she said. This means that just because the spark feels different now, it doesn’t mean the love is gone.

Mathur emphasizes the importance of emotional closeness. According to her, couples can strengthen their bond with small but intentional acts of love. “Even just 15 minutes of undistracted conversation can help couples reconnect,” she said. In our fast-paced lives, making time for one another is key to avoiding emotional burnout in relationships.

She advises couples to stay curious about each other — don’t just talk about the kids, bills, or daily tasks. Ask deeper questions. Make eye contact. Show interest in your partner’s thoughts and feelings. These moments of connection can bring back intimacy and trust.

Mathur also highlights the importance of physical affection — something as simple as a loving touch or hug can go a long way. “It’s not about grand romantic gestures. It’s the everyday effort that matters,” she shared.

Over time, love may not always feel exciting or effortless — but that’s completely normal. “It’s not a sign of failure,” Mathur explains, “it’s a sign that life is happening.” The couples who make it work aren’t perfect. They just learn how to reconnect after tough times. Choosing each other again — even when it’s hard — is what keeps love alive in the long run.

Don’t wait until it is too late… the experts’ advise when it comes to avoiding drifting apart

There are many common reasons why couples grow apart in long-term relationships. These include unresolved conflicts, emotional baggage, financial stress, personal issues like mental health struggles, and the daily pressure of parenting and work-life balance. Over time, these challenges can create emotional distance in marriage, even if the love is still there.

In fact, studies reveal that 41% of relationships end due to emotional disconnection. Many partners don’t even realize they’re drifting apart until the bond feels broken beyond repair. When couples feel more like roommates than romantic partners, they may stop trying to fix things altogether — leading to separation or divorce.

Professor Amber Vennum, a specialist in couple and family therapy, says the key to a strong relationship is intentional time together. Even when work deadlines and parenting duties feel overwhelming, couples must make their relationship a priority. “Setting aside time weekly for fun, connection, or simply talking without distractions is essential,” she explains.

These small efforts help couples rebuild trust, improve emotional intimacy, and strengthen their marriage. It’s not about spending a lot of money — it’s about giving each other your attention and making space for the relationship to grow again.

People came forward with advice for the wife, with some suggesting a divorce