When circumscribing becomes so severe that almost no safe conversational topics remain, communication slows to a standstill, and your relationship enters the stagnating stage. You both presume that communicating is pointless because it will only lead to further problems. People in stagnant relationships often experience a sense of resignation; they feel “stuck” or “trapped.” However, they can remain in the relationship for months or even years. Why? Some believe that it’s better to leave things as they are rather than expend the effort necessary to break up or rebuild the relationship. Others simply don’t know how to repair the damage and revive their earlier bond.