Like the weather, relationships can also go through sunny and cloudy periods. The trick is knowing when a storm represents a transient shower, or the equivalent of a romantic tsunami. Let’s say you’ve just set a wedding date, and suddenly your man is ignoring your text messages, leaving the toilet seat up and identifying himself as “single” on FaceBook. Here’s a quick guide to determining if it’s cold feet, or something more chilling:

1. If you discover your fiancé has a drug or alcohol problem or other dangerous addiction, you need to apply the breaks ASAP. These problems are probably deal-breakers. The same goes for any violence in your relationship; serious mood swings/anger, or infidelity.

RATING: Permafrost – time to call for a break and put any plans on ice while you do some serious soul-searching. Doubt means “don’t” as in, do not move forward.

2. Serious relationship incompatibilities such as religious differences, differing views on having kids, or feeling a sense of impending doom instead of merely nervous about tying the knot .

RATING – Cloudy with 80% chance of showers – the skies could clear but they more likely signal an impending tornado. Time to book a series of appointments with a qualified couples counsellor and do some thinking.

3. Ever since the proposal you’ve been feeling melancholy about the end of your single days. You’re starting to notice more of your guy’s flaws and his mother is seriously annoying. You’re not sure you can spend the rest of your life lowering the toilet seat every morning.

RATING - Mixed sun and clouds. If you love and respect your significant other, share common interests and values, realistically see a happy future together, and if friends and family give him the thumbs up, you’ll probably be just fine.

by Lisa Summers