It's the simple word "I" rather than "we" that can make a world of difference in relationship phrasing. Researchers from Princeton University came to this conclusion by studying the social media behavior of Reddit users. The Reddit platform offers its users various forums to exchange ideas with one another, so there are also rooms that revolve around separations.

For two years, the researchers examined the way users speak and write in the forums. More than a million contributions from over 6,000 users were analyzed. Based on these analyses, which did not only take place in forums on the topic of breaking up relationships, but were assessed more broadly, it became clear that the separation can often be guessed from the wording.

About six to three months before an imminent breakup, the people who want to separate begin to speak more often in the singular than in the plural. The scientists recorded the finding in their published study result: "Analyzing subtle shifts in pronouns, articles and other almost invisible words can reveal the psychological effects of life decisions," according to the researchers.

The researchers were not able to find out to what extent the person, who is now increasingly speaking in the first person, is aware that their subconscious already seems to be making a decision about their further path in life. So if you notice that your partner is increasingly only talking about himself, but not in the "we" form, you should prick up your ears and listen carefully. The person opposite seems to be consciously or unconsciously detaching themselves from the connection. Listening to your partner is a generally accepted tip in a partnership.

Sources: RedaktionsNetzwerk Deutschland, study "Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences"