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13 Bad Habits That Could Destroy Any Relationship

Ethan Collyer Ethan Collyer | August 25, 2018 | 5 min read

Sometimes, it all boils down to the little things that you do day in and day out in your relationship. It’s all about the little habits that you practice on a daily basis that could either make or break your romance. You don’t want to end up having a relationship die down on you just because you are guilty of doing a few bad habits. One important aspect to consider is the relationship red flags to watch for, as these signs can reveal deeper issues that may not be immediately apparent. By being aware of these potential problems early on, you can address them before they escalate or negatively impact your connection with your partner. Ultimately, maintaining open communication can help you navigate these challenges and strengthen your bond. One effective way to enhance your bond is by strengthening couple communication skills. Open and honest dialogues can help address underlying issues before they escalate. Practicing active listening and expressing appreciation for each other can contribute significantly to a healthier relationship dynamic.

The thing about bad habits is that singe instances may seem insignificant; but when accumulated over the course of a relationship, they can really add up. And that’s why you always want to make it a point of not being guilty of committing the following relationship sins:

1. You try to change your partner to suit your tastes.

You should never be trying to change your partner. When you love someone, you need to love that person unconditionally. You need to love that person for who they really are. You can’t just choose the parts to love and then try to change the other aspects of that person’s character.

2. You don’t make an effort to get along with the family.

Family is always going to be important in a relationship – especially when you have a partner who is really grounded in strong family values. That’s why you want to make it a point to always make an effort to be kind towards your partner’s family.

3. You are always caught doing PDA.

PDA isn’t always going to be the best idea. It can make the both of you look very sloppy and savage. And you don’t want that. PDA has a tendency of making the people around you feel uncomfortable – and also, it could make your partner uncomfortable without you knowing.

4. You fight in front of other people.

Like when you do PDA, you don’t want to be making other people uncomfortable by fighting in front of them. Yes, it’s normal for your relationship to have its problems. But you shouldn’t be airing those problems out for the whole world to see. You should still try to keep these things intimate.

5. You don’t have the guts to have fights with each other.

In a relationship, you need to have arguments. You can’t just keep on avoiding conflicts with one another. As a couple, you are bound to have a few disagreements on things. And that’s okay. You have to be able to talk things out with one another. You can’t let your misgivings stay bottled up inside. Understanding communication styles in relationships is crucial for resolving conflicts effectively. By recognizing each other’s approaches to discussing issues, you can create a more harmonious environment that encourages open dialogue. This awareness helps in minimizing misunderstandings and fosters deeper emotional connections between partners.

6. You don’t communicate your disappointments and expectations.

It’s normal for you to have expectations in your relationship. Of course, you’re going to want to have direction and structure in your romance. And if you don’t communicate these needs and expectations to your partner, you are doing them a disservice. Don’t expect them to be a mind-reader and just know what you want them to do.

7. You hold grudges in the relationship.

Grudges are a big no-no in any kind of relationship. If your partner does something terrible towards you, you need to be able to forgive them and let go of that hatred. You don’t want that negativity to stay with you and your relationship.

8. You don’t time your discussions properly.

As a couple, of course, you’re going to want to talk to one another about everything – even the things that might make you uncomfortable. And that’s right. That’s what relationships are about. However, timing is also important. You need to be able to time your discussions appropriately. There is a proper time and place for everything after all.

9. You keep score in the relationship.

The relationship is not a competition. It’s not a game that you’re trying to win. No one should be keeping score. Just because you do something nice for your partner doesn’t mean that you are entitled to a favor from them. That’s not how relationships should work. You should do nice things for one another just because it’s the nice thing to do.

10. You spy on your partner.

Trust is valuable in any kind of relationship – and when you make your partner feel like you don’t trust them by invading their privacy all of the time, you are dooming your relationship.

11. You take things for granted and you act complacent.

When things get a little too stable in a relationship, there is a tendency for couples to take their romances for granted. They think that just because things are going fine, they don’t have to put as much effort as before. And that’s the wrong mindset to have. There should never be any shortage of effort in a relationship.

12. You lie to one another.

There should always be absolute honesty in a relationship. There should be no room for lying and deceit between two people who are in love with one another.

13. You act withholding of your love and affection.

And lastly, you should never be withholding of your love and affection for your partner. Always make sure that your partner knows of your feelings towards them. Consider creating a relationship readiness checklist for couples to help evaluate the strengths and areas for growth in your relationship. This checklist can guide you to understand whether you and your partner are on the same page regarding future goals and emotional support. Open communication about your expectations and desires will deepen your connection and ensure a healthier partnership.


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Ethan Collyer
Written by
Ethan Collyer

Ethan is a relationship coach and writer based in Chicago. He spent years helping people navigate the emotional complexities of modern dating, commitment, and communication before turning to writing. His style is direct, practical, and free of clichés. He covers everything from why people pull away to how to be the partner your person actually needs. Off the clock, he is a football obsessive and a decent amateur cook.