What To Do When The Chemistry Is Off in a Professional or Personal Relationship 🧐
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“Could things be right again - once more?”
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From the song, “Set It Free” by Suzan Alakas
There are moments when the chemistry between people can shift - sometimes subtly, sometimes dramatically.
Inspired by lyrics from the song “Set It Free,” this post offers some gentle guidance on what to consider when you’re unsure whether to hang on - or let go.
• Originally written: 30 May 2025
• Last updated: 30 May 2025
• Written by: Suzan Alakas
Suzan is Growtharmony’s Founder and Editor-In-Chief. She is passionate about spreading positive, solution-oriented media via songs and other formats - all in an effort to make the world a better place! When Suzan’s not writing, finding leverage points or learning something new, you can find her in the garden, playing in the snow with her family, or in the kitchen cooking up a nourishing meal!
Sometimes, relationships start to fizzle.
Have any of these happened to you?
Maybe a vendor used to respond to you promptly, but now you’re not getting a response.
Maybe your partner’s tone feels sharper lately - or they’ve stopped making eye contact.
Maybe there’s someone in your circle you care about deeply, but you’re starting to dread talking to them.
There are the moments when the chemistry between people can shift, sometimes subtly, sometimes dramatically.
And while it can be confusing and even painful, at the same time, it is an opportunity for reflection, reconnection or release. 💛
Inspired by the lyrics from the song “Set It Free”, this post offers gentle guidance for when you’re unsure whether to hang on or let go.
“It feels like a chore like a thorn,
Avoidance, silence, and closed doors.
But I still adore you, so I’m torn…”
1. Ask Yourself: Is Something Really Off?
It’s easy to misread chemistry, especially in business or digital conversations.
Before jumping to conclusions, ask yourself:
Am I assuming tone based on a text message or email?
Could the person be going through something unrelated that’s affecting how they’re showing up?
Have I myself been distracted, distant, or less present lately?
Sometimes, a moment of tension is caused by something completely unrelated to your relationship. 🙃🙂
But if the feeling persists, it might be time to explore it deeper.
2. Time to Talk? 🗣️
If you feel comfortable doing so, an open, compassionate conversation can bring clarity.
These check-ins are especially helpful in business partnerships, client relationships, and friendships! 😊
If it feels tense, suggest meeting somewhere neutral, or doing something fun together to soften the energy.
You might consider beginning the discussion with:
“I’ve noticed we’ve been off lately - are you feeling that too?”
“I care about this relationship and feel that something has changed. Can we explore this together?”
“Can we revisit what we both need or expect our relationship right now?”
3. Reconnecting and Rebuilding ✨
Perhaps through your open discussion, you learned that the other person was in fact going through something else - and hadn’t even realized that it was affecting your relationship.
Or maybe you were able to talk through a brewing issue and resolve it kindly and professionally.
Or maybe you both realized that your relationship could use some reconnecting and rekindling.
“If we explored our connection from before…”
Often, you can make a new start by talking about shared values, common goals or how you connected in the first place.
If not…
4. It Might Be Time to Gently Let Go
Sometimes, despite your best effort and openness, the other person just isn’t responsive.
Or maybe the conflict persists because the other person isn’t willing to find a win-win solution.
While this can hurt, especially if there are personal feelings involved, clinging too tightly to something that no longer aligns can drain your energy and take it away from something else.
“Do I still belong in this relationship…
Or am I holding on too long, too strong?”
Just because you let go of a relationship, doesn’t mean you failed.
It means you’re relationship has changed, and is no longer aligned. 💛
As you set the relationship free, whether for the short term or long term, consider:
💛 Setting gentle boundaries - like informing the person that you’re changing suppliers or taking a break in contact or communication
💛 Limit your interactions, while staying kind
💛 Explore what you were receiving from this relationship and how else you might have those needs met
Healing with Time and Space
Often setting something free removes the pressure from it and gives both you and the other person a little time and space to reflect.
You may find that that your well-being improves without the relationship, or that the other person approaches you at a later date to try to repair the relationship.
Only time will tell if your relationship will strengthen or weaken.
“Will it come back, or be a loving memory?”
Sending much love as you explore and navigate the change in chemistry. 💕
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