5 Signs You Met the Right Person at the Wrong Time, According to a Psychologist

So you met the person of your dreams…you think. Maybe you just met after chatting on Hinge and realized you share the same values. Maybe your friends love them too, and you can't get over their corny jokes. Regardless, you think you may have found 'the one'—except something seems off. Whether in their case or yours, you begin to wonder if now isn't the right time for you two to be together. Maybe they don't want what you want, at least right now. Whatever the case may be, you think you've met the right person at the wrong time. But how do you know for sure? Let's get a clearer picture from a psychologist.Related:
First, you may be wondering, on an existential level, why this sort of thing happens. Romances that seem 'half-perfect' in this way can be, well, wholly discouraging. Whether you're into astrology, manifestation or are just curious, read on. Related: How Each Zodiac Sign Attracts Their Soulmate'This might be one of the great mysteries of life,' says Dr. Golee Abrishami, PhD, the head of clinical care at Octave. 'Optimistically, these situations are incredible learning experiences.'
For example, you might learn you need more commitment than you thought. Or maybe you finally have hope that good people are out there. These are only a couple of many examples. In reality, you have to figure out what the lesson is for you.
You may feel very drawn to the other person, Dr. Abrishami says. You two may like to spend a lot of time together, miss each other when you're apart or have a lot in common. But unfortunately, spending time with that person and growing your relationship is easier said than done. Various obstacles may get in the way. 'There are logistical barriers that prevent you from seeing each other, like timing, geographic location or schedules that don't match up,' Dr. Abrishami explains.
While age-gap relationships can work, they have a unique set of challenges. 'You are at different phases in your life—therefore, you have different priorities, which are in conflict,' Dr. Abrishami says.That could look like one partner preferring free time for going out with friends while the other wants to build a family and stay in, or many other situations. Related: What Is a May-December Romance, and Can You Make It Work?
If you say or hear phrases like 'I have a lot going on in my life, and I can't make time for another relationship' or 'I don't do feelings,' you could be seeing signs of emotional unavailability. Sometimes, people get into meaningful relationships before they're ready, like in the case of a person who wants a long-term relationship but is still struggling with a previous breakup. 'This can be due to varying instances, including different places of emotional development and unresolved issues that impact the level of emotional availability for the relationship,' Dr. Abrishami explains.
To some degree, we all bring our past baggage into our new relationships. Sometimes, that baggage can impact our dating experience. For example, there's a difference between someone who wants their ex back and someone who needs extra words of affirmation after dealing with a toxic partner.'There could be unresolved issues with a previous relationship that do not give the potential new relationship space to grow and evolve,' Dr. Abrishami says.
Many of us have been here, right? One partner is looking for something casual, while the other hopes for a more serious, committed relationship. Neither person can (or should have to) budge. This misalignment is another sign Dr. Abrishami shares.Related: Huh? What Does a 'Situationship' Actually Mean?
First and foremost, know you're not alone if you're going through this. 'Many people have struggled with the confusing feeling that you met the right person at the wrong time,' Dr. Abrishami says. Then, try one of the general coping skills she suggests below.
Maybe you're in that stage where you're not 100 percent sure it's the 'wrong time,' so you want to keep assessing the relationship. This tool may come in handy. 'Advocate for yourself by being open and honest about your needs and what you are or are not able to contribute at this time in the relationship,' Dr. Abrishami says. For example, you say you can give a certain amount of time to your partner and want the same from them. Thinking through that for yourself, then communicating it to the other person, is a crucial step.Related:
Can any of the roadblocks be worked through? Do you want to try to work through them? These questions can be helpful too. 'It's possible that if this relationship is important enough to you, you can resolve some of the issues getting in the way,' Dr. Abrishami says.
When you feel you've met 'your person,' it's understandable you may try to rush into things and make the relationship work when it's just not going to. Dr. Abrishami advises against this. 'If it's meant to be, time is on your side and you can make the relationship work when the time is right,' she says.Related:
Maybe you two don't work as a romantic pair at the moment, but you can still manage to be friends. Dr. Abrishami says this can be valuable because it maintains the connection and gives you another support person.Just make sure you both clarify what is and isn't okay with you. 'While maintaining a friendship may be helpful, you need to protect your heart and make sure that you're not just hurting yourself more by staying in touch,' she explains. 'Try to avoid leading someone on—or even leading yourself on.'
Regardless of what you're struggling with, talking it out with a therapist is pretty much always a good idea. Dr. Abrishami says a therapist can help you address relationship concerns, identify relationship patterns, help you resolve previous issues, evaluate your emotional availability and more. They can also help you cope if, yes, the person is right for you, but you met them at the wrong time.
Up Next:Dr. Golee Abrishami, PhD, the head of clinical care at Octave
5 Signs You Met the Right Person at the Wrong Time, According to a Psychologist first appeared on Parade on May 22, 2025

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Yahoo

38 minutes ago

• Yahoo

PGA Tour Sends Strong Scottie Scheffler Message on Saturday

PGA Tour Sends Strong Scottie Scheffler Message on Saturday originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The PGA Tour celebrated Scottie Scheffler in style on Saturday, honoring the world No. 1 golfer on his birthday with an Instagram post from @pgatour showcasing his top 10 career shots. Advertisement The post, shared earlier today, serves as a tribute to his remarkable journey, timed perfectly as fans and the Tour alike mark his special day. This gesture underscores Scheffler's status as a golfing icon and the Tour's commitment to celebrating its brightest stars. The post highlights iconic moments, including his hole-in-one at the 2023 Charles Schwab Challenge and his remarkable eagle hole-out at the 2024 Players Championship. These shots reflect the precision and power that have defined his rise, with three wins in his last five starts this season, including a victory at the 2025 PGA Championship. Scottie Scheffler plays his shot from the tenth tee during the first round.© Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images The birthday tribute aligns with Scheffler being in contention at the Travelers Championship this weekend, tying for the 36-hole lead with a score of nine under par. Advertisement This celebration sends a clear message: Scheffler, at 29, is the Tour's present and future and will continue to dominate a majority of the tournaments he plays in. With competitors like Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Thomas challenging his lead, his career highlights remind fans of his consistency and clutch performances. The post has sparked excitement, reinforcing the Tour's intent to honor excellence while hyping its toughest course setups and merit-based finales. For golf enthusiasts, it's a fitting birthday salute to a player redefining the sport. Related: PGA Tour Teases Scottie Scheffler, Justin Thomas Pairing at Travelers Championship This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 21, 2025, where it first appeared.

Yahoo

38 minutes ago

• Yahoo

Owen Wilson will return for ‘Meet The Parents 4'

Owen Wilson will return for 'Meet The Parents 4', alongside Ben Stiller, Robert De Niro and Ariana Grande.

Yahoo

42 minutes ago

• Yahoo

Dale Jr. talks total team effort after first crew chief victory

Do NOT Tell George Kittle That the 49ers' Title Window Has Closed 49ers TE George Kittle and Rich Eisen talk Tight End University 2025, Brock Purdy's huge new deal, and the Niners' revamped roster.