Be wary of the warning signs that you're getting dumped

One moment you are holding hands and gazing into each others eyes - the next thing you know you are on the receiving end of the, "It's not you, it's me" conversation.

Relationships do not just end. You can always see a breakup coming. There is usually neon, flashing warning signs that a relationship is coming to an end.

So, how can you tell if your temporarily shaky relationship will be over in the near future? Learn to read the signs before your lover throws you out with the bathwater.

Reluctant to make plans

Unsullied romance often involves a flurry of making plans. When you find yourself becoming less of a time priority or your ideas for outings are often met with insincere interest, it is never a good thing. Although this sign may be less obvious than tossing clothes out of a window, if your lover avoids making plans, it is a clear sign they do not see a future with you.

Mate's mates

Pay attention to your lover's buddies. Sometimes individuals confide in their crew before breaking it off. If your mate's mates seem less friendly it is a good indicator that they know something you do not - and it's probably not good.

Nitpicking

Last week, you were the most superb creature on the planet, but these days nothing you say or do is right. When your lover constantly finds fault in the smallest of things it is a sign that you are being pushed away. Your honey just has not got the guts to tell you - yet.

Meet my 'friend'

Being introduced as a friend in the first weeks of dating is typical - but after three months? If your sweetie is still introducing you as a friend after any length of time, they do not see you as lasting investment.

Lookin' good

Your partner has lost a few pounds and got a new haircut, no worries, right? A sudden desire to look good pooled with wanting to spend less time with you could signal bad news. Those considering an end to a long-term relationship often prepare for going back on the singles market by sprucing up.

The jerk

If your honey suddenly starts acting like such a jerk that you cannot stand to be near, you are being pushed away in hopes that you will end the relationship for them. Classic indicators of this behavior include arriving late for your dates, screening calls and making excuses for not being available.

Not tonight baby

While that initial clothes-ripping passion seldom lasts, physical indifference is a sign that something is wrong. If your normally touchy feely other half avoids intimacy, hand-holding, kissing and the like, you can prepare yourself. Your partner may soon be planning to deep-six the whole relationship idea.

Breakdown

New lovers get lost in mutual moments. You used to spend hours on the phone, got lost in IM and sat for hours listening to each other's quirky stories. If your fingers are the only ones doing the walking, and conversation feels forced, there may be trouble en route.

Jerry Springer style

Are your spats more frequent or over small things? A lot of little fights often mean there are much bigger issues that need to be addressed.

Cleaning up

Items left behind are a way of saying you will be back. If your fling suddenly seems worried about taking home all stuff after a night together, or they ask you to bring their things on your next date, your man or chick is getting ready to get back on the singles train.

Listen to your gut. Often our gut instincts provide the first warning that something is wrong. Problem is, we usually ignore this inkling because we are hoping for a different result than what our hearts tell us is true.

No one likes getting pink-slipped. So do not get caught like a deer in headlights.

DIY dates

Get down with the Dow

Houlihan's in several suburbs is running a special "Dowwie Wowwie" promotion through Friday, Feb. 27, which gets you free Italian doughnuts if the Dow goes up or, if it goes down, a certificate for a free appetizer with entree on your next visit. "Customers loved our new doughnuts in December, so giving them away with the 'sweet success' of the Dow Jones made perfect sense as a way for us to treat our customers for their loyalty and build relationships with new customers," says Jen Gulvik, vice president of marketing. These doughnuts are to die for - they come dusted with cinnamon and sugar and served with a Kahlua fudge sauce. Visit houlihans.com.

Like leprechauns?

St. Patrick's Day is coming a little early in Wheaton. On Saturday, March 7, Ireland's singing champion Gavin Coyle will be performing a benefit concert for the People's Resource Center at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $25 and can be purchased at the College of DuPage McAninch Arts Center ticket office at Park and Fawell boulevards, by calling (630) 942-4000 or at AtTheMac.org. The People's Resource Center (peoplesrec.org), DuPage County's largest food pantry, helped more than 22,000 people last year.

Winter wine night

The Long Grove Cafe, 235 Robert Parker Coffin Road in Long Grove, is holding it's final Winter Food & Wine Evening of the season at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 5. A four-course Mardi Gras tasting menu will be paired with select wines. Cost is $25 a person and reservations are required. For more information, call (847) 498-1836.