8 signs a relationship is moving too fast and could end badly, according to a dating expert

In the early stages of a relationship, everything feels exciting—new connections, fresh chemistry, and the thrill of getting to know someone.

But what happens when that excitement starts to cloud your judgment and things start moving at lightning speed?

As the founder of the Love Connection blog and a dating expert, I’ve seen countless relationships that seem to be in a hurry to reach the finish line. And let me tell you, rushing in love can often lead to a crash landing.

Recognizing when a relationship is moving too fast is crucial to prevent potential heartbreak. Drawing from my experience, I’ve identified eight warning signs that your love story might be on the express track to disaster.

If you’re wondering whether your relationship is moving at a healthy pace or rushing toward a cliff, this article is for you.

1) You’re living on cloud nine

Feeling head-over-heels in love is a beautiful thing, but it’s important to keep your feet on the ground.

When a relationship is moving too fast, it’s common to feel like you’re living in a romantic bubble. Everything seems perfect, and you’re so swept up in the whirlwind of love that you overlook any potential red flags.

While it’s great to enjoy the honeymoon phase, it’s essential to stay grounded. If you find that you’re constantly on cloud nine and ignoring everything else, it might be a sign that your relationship is moving too quickly.

Real love isn’t just about the highs; it’s about navigating the lows together as well.

So be sure to take the time to understand each other truly and build a solid foundation for your relationship.

2) You’re compromising your personal boundaries

As Tina Fey, I can tell you that one of the most critical aspects of a healthy relationship is respect for personal boundaries.

When love is in the fast lane, there’s a tendency to let these boundaries slide. You might find yourself doing things you’re not comfortable with or allowing behaviors that you would usually object to, all in the name of love.

If you’re guilty of this, remember that a relationship should enhance your life, not steal away your comfort and peace.

If you’re constantly compromising your personal boundaries, it’s time to tap the brakes and reassess.

3) You’re losing your individuality

In my experience as a relationship expert, one clear sign of a relationship moving too fast is when you start losing your individuality.

It’s normal to share interests and hobbies with your partner, but when you start giving up your passions or changing your lifestyle to fit into your partner’s world, it’s an alarm bell.

I’ve seen countless people become so engrossed in their romantic relationships that they forget to nurture their individuality.

In my book, Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship, I stress how important it is to maintain a sense of self even in the most intense relationships.

Loving someone doesn’t mean losing yourself. A healthy relationship should allow both partners to grow individually while growing together.

If you’re starting to forget who you are outside of your relationship, it’s time to pump the brakes.

4) You’re not arguing

This might sound counterintuitive, but if you’re not having any disagreements in your relationship, it might be moving too fast.

Disagreements are a natural part of any relationship. They show that both partners feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and feelings, even when they don’t align with each other’s.

In the early stages of a fast-moving relationship, there’s a tendency to avoid arguments in order to maintain the ‘perfect’ image of your partner and the relationship.

But this doesn’t allow for genuine understanding and growth.

Relationship disagreements can be healthy and constructive if handled correctly. They allow you to understand your partner’s views and values better.

If you’re not having any differences at all, chances are you’re not communicating honestly or effectively.

5) Your friends and family are concerned

As a relationship expert, I cannot stress enough the importance of listening to the concerns of your loved ones.

Friends and family often have an outside perspective that can be enlightening. If they’re expressing concerns about the speed of your relationship, it’s worth taking a step back to evaluate their worries.

In my own life, I’ve found that my friends and family can often see things that I might be blinded to because of love. That’s why it’s always a good idea to involve the people who care about you in your love life.

Also remember, your loved ones want the best for you. If multiple people in your life are worried about your relationship, it might be time to slow down and consider their viewpoints.

6) You’re ignoring red flags

Let’s get real. Love can sometimes make us turn a blind eye to behaviors or traits that we wouldn’t normally accept.

If you find yourself making excuses for your partner’s actions or dismissing issues that usually would be deal-breakers for you, it’s a sign your relationship is moving too quickly.

Love isn’t about ignoring the flaws but acknowledging them and understanding if they are something you can live with.

If you’re brushing off red flags just to maintain the pace of the relationship, it’s time for an honest heart-to-heart with yourself.

7) You’re planning your future together too soon

As a relationship expert and someone who has personally experienced the tumultuous waters of love, I can tell you that planning your future together too soon can be a red flag.

While it’s great to have shared goals and dreams, jumping into discussions about marriage, kids, or long-term commitments too early in the relationship can mean it’s moving too fast.

Building a solid relationship takes time. If you’re already planning your golden anniversary and haven’t yet celebrated your first month together, it’s time to hit the brakes.

8) You’re feeling overwhelmed

This is something we often ignore, but if you’re feeling overwhelmed in your relationship, it’s time to slow down.

A relationship should bring joy, comfort, and support to your life. But if you’re feeling constantly stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed by the pace of your relationship, it’s a clear sign that things are moving too fast.

Love shouldn’t feel like a burden. It’s okay to take a step back and communicate your feelings to your partner. Honest communication is the foundation of a strong relationship.

Conclusion

A relationship that moves too fast can be thrilling, but it often comes with hidden risks.

Relationships need time to develop naturally, with room for trust, emotional depth, and mutual understanding to grow.

If you’ve noticed some of these warning signs in your relationship, don’t panic—it’s not too late to slow things down.

As a relationship expert and the author of Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship, I encourage you to take the time to nurture your individuality, communicate honestly, and build a solid foundation in your relationship.

Love is a journey, not a race. Take the time to enjoy each moment and grow together at a pace that feels right for both of you. Love is worth the wait.