Maybe all is going well with someone — you're dating, you're hanging out, you're having a fine time — but there's a nagging feeling in the back of your mind. What are the under-the-radar signs you're incompatible? If you find yourself late-night Googling something along those lines, here's a hint: You might, in fact, be incompatible. When you know, you know; when you're not sure, you know, too, but it's harder to admit, because the thing you know in that case is that it's wrong. And that makes everyone sad.
It's true that chemistry is a weird thing, fickle and reckless in some, curvaceous and never-ending in others, and nary a reason for it, other than the fact that pheromones are real, and often most of what draws us to each other is not a naked-eye kind of thing. So, then, compatibility — and its ugly stepsister, incompatibility — is not always something you can put your finger on, point to and say, "There it is. Right there." If you're having trouble figuring out if you're compatible with someone, chances are that you're not. Here are nine weird ways to tell you're incompatible, according to experts.
1. You Forgot About Plans Later
"This is so normal, it weirdly slips under the radar: You’re not looking forward to seeing them," New York–based relationship expert and author April Masini tells Bustle. At the extreme of this, you might even forget that you have plans with your boo later, which is the definition of being nonplussed about a rendezvous later. "When you’re feeling the love, you want to connect — whether it’s in person, electronically or by sending and receiving a love letter in the mail," Masini says. Sidenote: If you're sending and receiving snail mail love letters, guess what? You're compatible!
"If you’re not looking forward to seeing them, or even dreading it — and you find yourself procrastinating instead of getting ready to meet — chances are this isn’t a match, and the two of you aren’t romantically compatible," Masini says. That's totally OK. Just own it and don't drag things out.
2. You Think They're Hot, But You're Not Attracted To Them
When you find someone hot, but there's just no chemistry between the two of you, you're incompatible, relationship coach and psychic medium Cindi Sansone-Braff, author of Why Good People Can't Leave Bad Relationships, tells Bustle. Picture this, she says: "Everyone around you thinks that you've totally lost it, because this really hot guy or girl really wants you, but you're just not feeling it." Not a good sign. "Their touch, which you hoped would leave you feeling all hot and bothered, leaves you feeling cold and distant," she says. This might be something that happens off the bat, or, sadly, it can also happen later on in a relationship.
Generally, you can tell right away whether you're attracted to someone on that level. "Chemistry is one of those crazy things that's defies definition, but it's just there from the get-go, and two people either have it or they don't," Sansone-Braff says. "When there's chemistry between a couple, everything about the two of them turns each other on — a look, a caress, a touch, a glimpse of exposed flesh can blast their conjoined libidos into the stratosphere; but fabulous looks alone don't always make for spontaneous combustion. Electrifying chemistry between a couple is ignited via a true heart, soul, mind, body connection, and it isn't based on what someone else or even what everyone else in the universe might think is hot — it's based on what your body registers as thermonuclear," she says. Go with your gut.
3. You Have Different Life Views
If one of you feels completely jaded, and the other has found inner peace, you're not going to get very far, BetterHelp telehealth counselor and psychologist Nikki Martinez tells Bustle. It's true: A sarcastic, sardonic grumbler won't do well with a super blissed-out yogini. "These two things are night and day, odd that they would fit together for a fling, much less a long and significant relationship." If you're trying to hold it down with someone who is a negative Nancy, while you're a total Pollyanna — or vice versa — things will likely crumble before long. "If these are regular views you each hold, and a way of life that you are wanting to continue to live by, you are likely not going to find yourself romantically compatible," Martinez says. Let it go.
4. Differing Expectations
"The biggest sign of romantic incompatibility is if you and the person you’re seeing have different expectations from the relationship," Salama Marine, psychologist and online dating expert for dating website EliteSingles, tells Bustle. "This often means you have differing expectations from life, and are in different places." Maybe you see yourself living in Montana on a ranch, and they would rather live in a bustling city like London. Not a good match.
Check out Bustle's 'Save The Date' and other videos on Facebook and the Bustle app across Apple TV, Roku, and Amazon Fire TV.
"It is therefore important to establish this at the beginning of the relationship," Marine says. "Ask yourself whether you’re looking for something serious or casual. If you begin to develop feelings for someone and you discover they only want something casual, you can end up getting hurt," she adds. "It will benefit you to have this conversation early on." Be as honest and upfront as you possibly can.
5. You Embarrass Each Other
You can tell that you're not in tune if your partner is embarrassed by your romantic gestures, Rob Alex, who created Sexy Challenges and Mission Date Night with his wife, tells Bustle. "If they are embarrassed once or twice, OK." But if every time you send them a bunch of heart emojis or leave them a little love note, they tell you how stupid they think it is, not good.
"If they feel your romantic actions are childish or over the top, then romantically you two are not going to hit it off," he says. "In return, that is also the case if you find that you are embarrassed, or just feeling your partner's romantic intentions are stupid," he adds. Sure, we can all feel a little goofy around our mates sometimes, and they're not always going to do exactly the gesture we want. But if you or your partner feel embarrassed or ashamed of each other? "It might be hard for the two of you to come together and find a happy medium place in the area of romance," Alex says. I'll say!
6. Your Heart Rate Holds Steady
When you're near your partner, if you never feel butterflies, you may not be well matched. "[When] you don't feel a rush being near them," you're probably not that into it, zen psychotherapist and neuromarketing strategist Michele Paiva tells Bustle. If there's no sense of excitement being next to them, how can you be terribly compatible? "If your oxytocin isn't going up, ditch the idea, and don't force it," she says. Smart.
7. You Can't Imagine Making Out
This one only applies to someone with whom you haven't been intimate before. "If you can't imagine kissing someone, or tried and it wasn't your thing, chances are it's a no," life coach Kali Rogers tells Bustle. And if that's the case, move on. "No need to force romantic chemistry, and a kiss is the easiest way to predict it," she says. A little imagination goes a long way here.
8. You Can't Eat Together
Do you hate the way your partner eats? If the way they chew gets on your nerves, you might have a problem, Stefanie Safran, Chicago's "Introductionista" and founder of Stef and the City, tells Bustle. Of course, if you are misophonic, this is a totally different story.
9. You Are Yawning All The Time
When you are bored with what they're saying, Tina B. Tessina, aka Dr. Romance, psychotherapist and author of Love Styles: How to Celebrate Your Differences, tells Bustle, you aren't compatible. It may be a strange sign — might not be the first thing you'd think of — but it is real, and if it's happening, pay attention.
Images: Fotolia; WiffleGif
FAQs
What are the signs of incompatibility? ›
- Unclear future. Imagine what your and your partner's future looks like, as how you both see it needs to be aligned. ...
- Different intellectual levels. ...
- Love is missing. ...
- More hangouts with friends. ...
- Argue constantly. ...
- Both headstrong. ...
- No similar interests. ...
- Can't be yourself.
There are many ways to tell if a lack of chemistry in your relationship is a problem. These are the most obvious ones: Not wanting to return affection from your partner, or give it to them. An aversion to being intimate with them.
Can you have chemistry with someone and not be compatible? ›You might be thinking: If the chemistry is right and things flow easily then shouldn't that also mean you're compatible? Unfortunately, that's not always the case. Chemistry is based on attraction, and more often than not, intense attraction to someone isn't enough to build a happy partnership.
What makes two people compatible? ›Relationship compatibility exists, first and foremost, when a couple relates with equality and respect. It's important for couples to have fun together and really enjoy the time they spend together. Relationships thrive when two people share companionship and activities.
What is emotional incompatibility? ›“You cannot be grateful and resentful at the same time, or forgiving and vengeful. When we are savoring the moment, we cannot be regretting the past.” His point here refers to a phenomenon known as “emotional incompatibility”, which suggests that we are not able to experience opposing emotions in the same moment.
How do you test compatibility in a relationship? ›You can get some insight into whether you're compatible with someone by taking a compatibility test online. Some dating apps focused on serious relationships also offer compatibility scores to help you evaluate potential partners, including eharmony, Match.com, and OKCupid.
How do you tell someone there is no spark? ›☏"I think you're a legend but I just didn't feel a spark, would love if we can still chat as mates." ☏"I really enjoyed meeting you and I had a good time, but I just didn't feel a spark. I wish you all the best." ☏"Hey, I had a great time and you seem really lovely.
What causes intense chemistry with someone? ›Chemistry is born of several different factors like physical attraction, mental stimulation, shared values and interests.
Does absence increase attraction? ›So, does absence make the heart grow fonder? Absolutely. But remember, there's a difference between a healthy amount of space and growing apart. Make sure you're frequently communicating with each other about your needs, establish a strong foundation of trust, and remember to take time for yourselves.
Can other people tell when two people have chemistry? ›The chemistry between people can be seen in body language or subtle ways, such as eye contact, flirting, banter, constant focus, and losing track of time.
Is it rare to have strong chemistry with someone? ›
Again, mutual chemistry is rare and cannot be manufactured. However, there are several things influencing this special human-to-human, electric-like attraction. They include: Mutual physical attraction.
Is it love or just chemistry? ›Love… it's more than simply a chemical reaction. It's a bond that people have the opportunity to develop consciously and conscientiously over time. Shared interests, a deeply rooted friendship, respect, kindness, compassion, and communication are all things that characterize love that lasts.
What types of people are most compatible? ›People with similar personalities are the most compatible, research finds. Extraverts get on with other extraverts, conscientious people are happy with other conscientious people, the agreeable love other agreeable people — and so on. There was no evidence in this study that opposites attract.
Who are twos most compatible with? ›Type Twos commonly pair well with Threes, Eights.
Compassionate and nurturing, this self-sacrificing type can give and give to their partner until they are empty. Since Twos have a problem vocalizing their needs, it's vital they date someone who can reciprocate intimacy and won't take advantage of their generosity.
According to Dr. Michael Tobin, a soulmate is someone who you feel deeply connected to, but not in a dependent or needy way. The guiding principle in a relationship between soulmates is that needs are equally met because a soulmate relationship should challenge you to move from selfishness to giving.
What is an unhealthy emotional attachment? ›In an unhealthy attachment, one person typically looks to another for emotional support, usually without offering much in return. The partner who consistently provides support without getting what they need may feel drained, resentful, and unsupported.
What is unhealthy emotional attachment to someone? ›Unhealthy emotional attachment occurs when you solely rely on a relationship to define your worth, value, and lovability. If you find yourself more depressed and self-critical after ending a relationship, then you may have attributed your self-esteem to being connected with that person.
Why do empaths fail in relationships? ›Some empaths may avoid dating or romantic commitment because they fear being overwhelmed by a partner's energies and emotions. Many empaths like to have plenty of space—energetic, emotional, and physical.
What are the three questions to see if you are compatible? ›According to a group of Harvard mathematicians, these are the three questions to ask to see if you're compatible with your partner. “Do you like horror movies?” “Have you ever travelled around another country alone?” “Wouldn't it be fun to chuck it all and go live on a sailboat?”
What are the traits of compatibility? ›The 12 main points of compatibility can include the need for companionship, idealism, emotional intensity, spontaneity, libido, nurturance, materialism, extroversion, aestheticism, activity level, subjective well-being, and intellectualism.
What are some compatibility questions? ›
- How many times would you call your spouse in a day to know how he/she is doing?
- What is the longest duration you could stay without talking to your partner after a fight?
- Do you have a huge tolerance capability?
- Would you break off a relationship for practical reasons?
Loss of spark is caused by anything that prevents coil voltage from jumping the electrode gap at the end of the spark plug. This includes worn, fouled or damaged spark plugs, bad plug wires or a cracked distributor cap.
How to tell someone you re not mentally ready for a relationship? ›- Define the dynamic upfront.
- Express The Situation In Terms Of Your Feelings And Needs.
- Explain Your Perspective—To A Point.
- Be Kind And Unapologetic.
- Dirty Or Corroded Distributor Cap. The distributor cap is a good starting point. ...
- A Bad Crankshaft Position Sensor. ...
- An Issue With The Ignition Control Module. ...
- Issues With The Pickup Coil Inside The Distributor. ...
- A Bad Ignition Coil. ...
- A Faulty Ignition Switch.
The same interests and values may also be a powerful way people are drawn to someone. When two people have similar hobbies, goals, or beliefs, it might create a sense of connection and compatibility. Emotional connection is another reason why people may feel drawn to each other.
What is unspoken attraction? ›Unspoken attraction is when two people feel attracted to each other, but they do not say it aloud. This attraction exists based on subtle or clear physical behaviors both parties exhibit when they are close to each other.
What is an intense attraction to someone? ›Lust. This describes intense feelings of passion, desire, affection, or attraction toward someone.
How do I stay in his mind? ›Be a good listener. Wait to hear all he has to say and don't interrupt. Use the opportunity to talk as an opportunity for him to tell you more about himself, not as one for your own stories. For yourself, don't reveal too much too soon, as a sense of mystery will definitely leave you on his mind, wanting to know more.
What causes strong attraction? ›According to professor Claire Hart, who teaches a module on the psychology of attraction at University of Southampton, there are five main determinants of attraction: physical attractiveness, proximity, similarity, reciprocity and familiarity.
How long does attraction usually last? ›Just seeing your beloved can make your heart race, your legs weak and your face flushed. Touch him, and well… Movies try to convince us we'll feel this way forever, but the intense romance has an expiration date for everyone. Expect the passion to last two to three years at most, says Dr.
What attracts a person to another person? ›
Influences. Many factors influence whom people are attracted to. They include physical attractiveness, proximity, similarity, and reciprocity: Physical attractiveness: Research shows that romantic attraction is primarily determined by physical attractiveness.
What does strong chemistry feel like? ›Strong chemistry between a man and woman is a feeling of intense attraction felt by both the man and woman. In many cases, these feelings are accompanied by the desire to be intimate with themselves, spend more time together, and even commit to something bigger (sometimes).
Can people see attraction between two people? ›If the connection between two people is really strong, then yes, other people can sense the chemistry between them. The way these two people brighten up in each other's presence and the way they care about the other person will definitely give others an idea that something is going on between them.
When two people have strong chemistry? ›When individuals experience chemistry, they experience their interaction as something more than the sum of their separate contributions. Interpersonal chemistry requires coordination, in that the interacting individuals share and match their goals and efforts, supporting each other in the process.
Can you physically feel chemistry with someone? ›"Sexual chemistry is the very strong but ineffable feeling that you feel in your body when you're attracted to someone," says Zhana Vrangalova, Ph. D., an adjunct professor of human sexuality at New York University. Typically, this attraction is physical, but it can also be intellectual or emotional.
Is intense chemistry a red flag? ›That's because, while falling in love is always an exciting experience, super intense, knock-your-socks-off chemistry is often a red flag. If nothing else, it can blur your judgment and keep you from thinking critically about whether this is a relationship or a partner that aligns with your values and your life goals.
What happens to the brain when you fall in love? ›Researchers have scanned the brains of people who are madly in love and found a heavy surge of dopamine, a neurotransmitter in the brain's reward system that helps people feel pleasure. Dopamine, along with other chemicals, gives us that energy, focus, and obsession we feel when we're wild about someone.
How do you know if a guy lusts you? ›The main difference between lust and love is that lust is purely sexual attraction while love is both passionate and compassionate. Signs of lust include spending most of your time with a partner being physically intimate, having little interest in their life outside the bedroom, and having different values.
What makes men fall in love? ›Physical attraction, sexual compatibility, empathy, and emotional connection are key to making a man fall in love with a woman.
What personality type loves the most? ›ESFJs win the title for the most loving personality type. They are incredibly compassionate and always put the needs of others above their own. They are natural caregivers and love to make people feel comfortable and supported.
What personality types are incompatible? ›
- Architect (INTJ) & Consul (ESFJ) VICTOR TORRES/Stocksy. ...
- Debater (ENTP) & Adventurer (ISFP) Javier Diez/Stocksy. ...
- Logician (INTP) & Entertainer (ESFP) Ivan Gener/Stocksy. ...
- Mediator (INFP) & Entrepreneur (ESTP) ...
- Defender (ISFJ) & Campaigner (ENFP)
In incompatible relationships, couples tend to lack mutual goals. They're often on different paths and following the goals of one person tends to keep the other one from achieving theirs. This may result in one person sacrificing their success for that of the other, or cause stagnation for both.
What type 2 needs in a relationship? ›ENNEAGRAM TYPE TWO: Associated with qualities such as warmth, generosity and self-sacrifice; the people orientated Enneagram Type Two is motivated by a need to be liked and appreciated. They value relationships and as a result kindness, generosity and self-sacrifice are all incredibly important qualities to them.
Which Enneagram is most narcissistic? ›Which Enneagram Styles Are Narcissistic? Relying on Theodore Millon's description of the narcissistic personality, Claudio Naranjo (1994) refers to Enneastyle Seven as the narcissist.
How do you make a Type 2 feel loved? ›- Express gratitude. ...
- Put their hobbies and interests first. ...
- Encourage them to set healthy boundaries. ...
- Actively ask them what their needs are. ...
- Notice when they need help and provide it. ...
- Support them with self-care.
When you hear "soulmate," do you think of a picture-perfect relationship with no problems or difficulties? Think again. According to relationship experts, when you meet a soulmate, being triggered and pushed to grow might actually be a big part of the equation.
What is a soul tie? ›A soul tie is an intense spiritual connection between two people that results in a mutual learning experience. The concept of a soul tie has gained steam on TikTok and among the Gen Z population, who are increasingly looking outside the bounds of organized religion for answers to life's big questions.
What are examples of incompatibility? ›- Not capable of existing in agreement or harmony with something else. Incompatible views on religion. ...
- Not capable of living or working together happily or harmoniously; antagonistic. Incompatible roommates. ...
- That cannot be held at one time by the same person. ...
- That cannot both be true at the same time. ...
- Not compatible.
Can we be incompatible to have children? But, can there be genetic incompatibility between a man and a woman, which makes it impossible to have children together but not with another partner? The answer is no. The exception to this answer are the hereditary recessive disorders.
Can a relationship work if you are incompatible? ›When you're in a relationship without compatibility, you're in it to make it work. This means you have to help each other grow together. One way you can do this is by helping each other explore your interests. This helps each of you discover what you're interested in and maybe even find new hobbies you both enjoy.
What are the types of incompatibility? ›
Incompatibility is defined as a change resulting and an undesirable product is formed, which may affect the safety, efficacy, appearance and stability of the pharmaceutical product. It is of three types. It includes physical, chemical and therapeutic incompatibilities.
What are incompatible things? ›If one thing or person is incompatible with another, they are very different in important ways, and do not suit each other or agree with each other.
Can you love someone and not be compatible? ›Feeling strongly about someone does not necessarily mean that you are meant to be together. Many people have at one point been convinced by their feelings that they have met their perfect match, but ultimately discover that they aren't compatible with them.
What is self incompatibility? ›Self-incompatibility (SI) is defined as the inability to produce zygotes after self-pollination in a fertile hermaphrodite plant, which has stamens and pistils in the same flower. This structural organization of the hermaphrodite flower increases the risk of self-pollination, leading to low genetic diversity.
What blood type rejects pregnancy? ›When a woman is Rh negative and her fetus is Rh positive, it is called Rh incompatibility. Why is Rh incompatibility a problem? When the blood of an Rh-positive fetus gets into the bloodstream of an Rh-negative woman, her body will recognize that the Rh-positive blood is not hers.
What 2 blood types are not compatible for pregnancy? ›Rh incompatibility occurs when the mother's blood type is Rh negative and her fetus' blood type is Rh positive. Antibodies from an Rh negative mother may enter the blood stream of her unborn Rh positive infant, damaging the red blood cells (RBCs).
What two blood types should not have babies together? ›When a mother-to-be and father-to-be are not both positive or negative for Rh factor, it's called Rh incompatibility. For example: If a woman who is Rh negative and a man who is Rh positive conceive a baby, the fetus may have Rh-positive blood, inherited from the father.