Breaking up is hard to do ...

We all know it - there are hundreds of songs written about it. But did you know there are signals that a breakup might be coming? If you can watch for the signs you might be able to make the changes to stop your breakup and get back together into the loving, romantic couple you once were.

Here are four of the most common signs that your relationship could be in trouble:

1. No bonding time could lead to breaking up.

A good relationship is built on trust, and trust is developed one on one. If you never spend quality time alone with your partner you can't develop the trust you need to stay together.

It’s especially important in a marriage. The stress of making a living and caring for children can drive you apart. Try to schedule a date night every week, when you and your partner can reconnect. That can go a long way toward stopping a break-up.

2. Lack of communication can mean a break-up is coming

Be on the alert if your partner no longer talks to you the way they once did. All good relationships require open and honest communication. If someone has stopped talking they may feel they’re never heard anyway, so why try. Or it may mean their mind is occupied elsewhere (maybe with someone else). Either way it could mean your relationship may be in trouble.

What can you do? Find a quiet time and tell your partner how you feel, without accusations and without blaming.

3. No touch zone - does this mean you're breaking up?

You might have a problem if your lover no longer gently touches your cheek as they walk by. There is a definite problem if your partner turns away from simple touches and affection. Women, especially, need to be touched affectionately. If she’s rejecting your touch it’s a sign of trouble in the relationship.

4. Your distracted partner may be ready to break up.

Are you getting the 'thousand mile stare'? Does your partner look through you rather than at you? If your partner doesn't seem engaged with you, or they’re not present in the moment, you might want to sit down and talk about it.

Often it has nothing to do with you or with your relationship. They could be having problems at work, for example. But if they continue being distracted or go into denial about being distracted it could cause a problem with the relationship.

When you know the break-up signals ...

it’s easy to spot the behavior that could mean the end of your relationship. Just don’t ignore the signs.

But try not to come on too strong when you talk to your partner about it. A fight won't help you stay together. Tell them how much you love them, and that you want to try to work things out. Then stop talking and listen. Sometimes listening is the best thing you can do to stop a break up.