Relationships are complex and require effort to maintain. Often, you might engage in certain things that ruin your relationship without you realizing it. It is crucial to be aware of these behaviors and address them before it is too late.
Despite the initial euphoria, relationships can fail due to misunderstandings and recurring arguments, leading to bitterness, anger, unhappiness, and unresolved conflicts.
Divorce and breakups are more common than successful relationships, which has led younger generations to avoid complicated procedures due to disagreements in opinion and way of life.
Relationships require time, effort, and patience to blossom and stay robust. Often, partners get so consumed with the flow of everyday life that they become unaware of the behaviors that kill relationships and the signs of an unhealthy relationship.
Let’s find out the things that slowly ruin relationships.
Related: 8 Things That Couples In Healthy Relationships Should Never Say
11 Things That Ruin Your Relationship Without You Realizing It
1. Expecting your partner to change because of you.
This is one of the major things that ruin your relationship.
In the early phase of a relationship, couples are usually blinded by the honeymoon phase of their relationship, a period of intense attraction and romance. Couples believe that they have found their “eternal love,” and everything feels so perfect that they want to capture that image of their partner forever.
However, over time, as couples get to know each other better, they begin to discover different facets of their partners that they might not like. At this point, many partners become intolerant of their partner’s new behavior and attitude, and they start to urge their partner to change according to their desires.
It is crucial to understand that your partner is not changing; they are just blooming into their true self.
Even if your partner decides to change something about themselves, it should be their individualistic decision, and it should not be influenced by your choices. Learn to respect your partner for who they are, including their virtues and flaws.
2. Always having to win an argument.
This is one of those sneaky things that ruin relationships.
People argue for various reasons. When two people in an intimate relationship have different sets of values and ideas, it is natural for arguments to arise. The important thing is to consider the connotation of the argument.
Is the argument leading to something fruitful, or is it to control, manipulate, or dominate your partner?
If the argument is to satisfy your need for domination over your partner, and if it is happening recurrently, it can ultimately ruin your relationship. Such arguments lead to bitterness and unresolved conflicts.
3. Allowing a third person to interfere.
This is one of the worst ways to ruin relationship. When couples are lost in a maze and cannot find a solution to the issues in their relationship, they often resort to close people, other companions, and relatives for advice.
The issue is clearer to the people involved, and even though it may seem like a third person would be able to give a neutral perspective of the problem, they might often mislead you.
You and your partner should have the maturity to handle your problems because only you have a clear understanding of the situation.
Related: 8 Things You Should Never Say To The One You Love
4. Neglecting the emotional and physical needs of the partner.
It is crucial to understand the emotional and physical needs of your partner. Neglecting the needs of your partner for too long will make them seek to fulfill their needs from some other source.
Your partner should never get the impression that you are not trying to emotionally and physically provide for them.
Even if you cannot fulfill all of their needs, it is necessary for them to see that you are trying your best to meet their needs.
5. Holding grudges.
This is one of the most overlooked behaviors that ruin relationships, once and for all.
Holding grudges and focusing on trivial things can worsen your relationship. When you feel bitter with rage over something your partner did, you should stop and reflect, “Is it important enough to let such trifle matters strain your relationship?”.
When you start to quarrel, just let the moment pass. Do something that helps you resolve your bitterness instead of seething in anger because holding a grudge has never done any good to anyone.
6. Disrespecting differences.
This is probably one of the biggest things ruin your relationship and that too permanently. There are no two same persons in the whole world, and differences are a part of human nature.
Understanding and accepting that you yourself have a different outlook towards life, distinct ideas, and values that might as well be difficult for your partner to welcome is crucial to keeping your relationship healthy.
It is important to respect the differences between you and your partner.
Related: 15 Crucial Things You Should Let Go For A Happy Marriage
7. Not being able to accept your faults.
When you refuse to accept your faults, you tend to project your negative behaviors onto your partner, and this causes unnecessary conflicts. It’s important to realize that accepting your faults is not a sign of weakness but rather a sign of maturity and self-awareness.
Apologizing sincerely for your mistakes, even when the fault isn’t entirely yours, is a good way to defuse tension and prevent conflicts from escalating. It’s important to remember that saying “sorry” does not make you weak; it shows that you care about the relationship and are willing to work towards resolving conflicts.
It’s also important to note that it’s not just about accepting your own faults, but also about forgiving your partner when they make mistakes.
It takes two people to build a healthy relationship, and both of you need to learn to accept and forgive each other.
“If you get your ego in your way, you will only look to other people and circumstances to blame.” – Jocko Willink
8. Lack of trust.
This is one of the major behaviors that can destroy a relationship permanently.
Trust is the foundation of any successful relationship. When trust is broken, it can be difficult to repair.
It’s important to establish trust early on in a relationship and work to maintain it.
Be honest with your partner and communicate openly. Avoid keeping secrets or lying to your partner, as this can lead to a lack of trust. Trust also means respecting your partner’s boundaries and privacy.
If trust has been broken in the relationship, it’s important to take steps to rebuild it. This may include being transparent with your actions, apologizing for any mistakes, and showing your partner that you are committed to earning their trust back.
Related: How To Stop Romantic Comedies From Ruining Your Love Life
9. Lack of intimacy.
Intimacy is an important part of any romantic relationship. It can include physical touch, emotional connection, and sexual activity. When intimacy is lacking in a relationship, it can lead to feelings of loneliness and disconnection.
It’s important to communicate with your partner about your needs and desires when it comes to intimacy. This may include setting aside time for physical touch, such as cuddling or holding hands or making time for sexual activity.
It’s also important to work on emotional intimacy by being vulnerable and sharing your feelings with your partner. This can help you feel more connected and deepen your relationship.
10. Taking each other for granted.
Again, this is one of those sneaky but insidious behaviors that destroy relationships.
It’s easy to take your partner for granted when you’ve been together for a long time. However, this can lead to feelings of resentment and dissatisfaction in the relationship.
Make an effort to show your partner that you appreciate them. This can be as simple as saying “thank you” or doing something kind for them. It’s important to show your partner that you value them and don’t take them for granted.
11. Not dedicating time to each other.
Your relationship should be your priority and it requires you to dedicate time to each other. If you want it to grow, you need to put in the effort daily.
Dedicating time to each other has multiple advantages in maintaining a healthy relationship. Feelings of being heard, of being valued foster the bond between partners. It creates a sense of connection that helps you appreciate each other.
When you dedicate time to each other, you are creating a safe space where you can communicate freely without feeling rushed. It’s important to set aside quality time for your partner on a regular basis, whether it’s through date nights or simply enjoying a hobby together.
This also means that you need to be present during this time. Avoid checking your phone or getting distracted with work. It’s important to prioritize your partner during your time together.
Related: 10 Toxic Behaviors That Ruin Relationships and How To Avert Them
In conclusion, a healthy relationship requires effort and dedication from both partners. By addressing these common relationship issues and working together, you can build a stronger, more fulfilling relationship.
According to you, what are things that ruin relationships, apart from these? Let us know your thoughts in the comments down below!
Want to know more about the things that slowly ruin relationships? Check this video out below!
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