It’s more common than we realise to feel lonely even when we are in a committed relationship. Many couples seeking relationship counselling describe feeling unheard, misunderstood, or emotionally disconnected — not because love is absent, but because expectations remain unspoken.

A common belief is that if someone truly loves us, they should just know what we need. That they will intuitively respond to our wants without us having to explain or ask. When this doesn’t happen, disappointment builds, and over time, this can lead to resentment, emotional withdrawal, and conflict.