In any type of relationship—be it family, romantic, or platonic—it's common for individuals to grow overly comfortable, leading to bad habits in a relationship...
In any type of relationship—be it family, romantic, or platonic—it's common for individuals to grow overly comfortable, leading to bad habits in a relationship. Such comfort can result in crossing boundaries and developing bad relationship habits that erode the bond between partners. These habits, like being overly critical or withholding affection, can create emotional distance and set unrealistic expectations, steering the relationship into a rough patch or even a toxic relationship. The good news is that recognizing these patterns early allows for intervention, ensuring both partners remain on the same page. Seeking marriage intensive therapy or couples therapy can help restore a healthy relationship and prioritize one's own happiness.Here are some bad habits to look out for:
It's common to become accustomed to the thoughtful acts your partner does for you, which can lead to taking them for granted. This isn't always intentional, but it can result in a lack of appreciation that goes unnoticed. Overlooking daily gestures like making coffee or cooking meals, forgetting to say "thank you" for small acts of kindness, assuming one partner will handle chores without acknowledgment, failing to express gratitude for emotional support during tough times, and not recognizing efforts to plan special moments or surprises can all contribute to this issue.
When appreciation is lacking, it can lead to one partner feeling unvalued, potentially causing resentment. Happy couples take the time to talk about their feelings and ensure both partners feel loved and valued. Expressing gratitude for nice things is healthy behavior; it strengthens the bond and makes life together more fulfilling.
So, next time, take a moment to show appreciation, and you'll see how it positively impacts your relationship.
Sometimes you may become blind-sighted to the things your partner does for you. You begin to focus on what your ex used to do or what other people's partners do for them.
The moment you start comparing your partner to other people, you stop seeing everything good about them. You make yourself unhappy and you make them unhappy. Comparing your partner to other people would make you unsatisfied, you will feel they can never be enough or amount to the standard of those you compare them to.
Repeatedly making your partner the butt of your jokes, especially in the company of friends is a bad habit. You make them feel embarrassed, small, and ridiculous.
If you bring up personal or private information about your partner when other people are there, you are killing your relationship. Because your partner would never be happy about being made a laughing stock. What may seem like harmless fun to you, isn't harmless to them.
Let's be honest, being a little jealous and protective of your partner is normal. But sometimes you can let that jealousy consume you and you start being possessive. You refuse to respect their boundaries or trust them any longer.You may ask your partner to cut off their friends or people whose relationship makes you jealous. This can lead to an unhealthy obsession over what your partner does, and who they do it with.You will end up pushing your partner away and sabotaging your relationship.
This has to be the worst habit of all. Because if you tell one lie, you would have to cook up two more to cover up the first. And that is how the cycle begins.
And there's no such thing as a white lie or a half-truth, especially in relationships. You may decide hiding a few details won't hurt them but in reality, it does. Even if your intentions were pure, nothing built on lies or dishonesty lasts.
Some people feel like this is better than being straight-up aggressive. But the two are just as bad. Taking little jabs at your partner for whatever reason won't help the situation. It is best to speak to your partner directly about any grievances you may have. Being passive-aggressive would make them feel constantly criticized and unworthy.
For people who have OCD, this might be quite difficult. It's just their nature to want things a certain way and when it doesn't happen that way, they can be a little critical. But if your constant criticism is harming your relationship and partner, it is time to dial it down. Try to be more understanding and accommodating of your partner's imperfections. So never speak negatively to them, especially about the things they can't change or love. Things like their style of dressing, career, hobbies, etc.
Constantly assess your relationship with your partner to ensure no one feels underappreciated, unloved, or unseen. It makes it easier to see where each person can do better. And know what bad habit they can do away with.Relationships take work, so don't find it tiring to check in with your partner constantly. Ask them how they feel about certain things you do, and be willing to change. Also, be willing to bring in a third party who specializes in couples counseling into the relationship when it's clear it could use one.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, and owner of Overcomers Counseling. I'm dedicated to helping individuals find strength and healing through life’s challenges. With a deep understanding of mental health and years of professional experience, I specialize in fostering hope and resilience while equipping her clients with tools to thrive. Passionate about empowering others, she creates a safe, supportive space where everyone feels seen, valued, and capable of overcoming obstacles on their path to well-being.
Yes, therapists are bound by confidentiality rules, and anything you discuss in therapy is kept private, with a few exceptions related to safety and legal issues.
Yes, trust can often be rebuilt if it is damaged in a relationship. This process may take some time and effort, but it is possible to regain trust.
It can be challenging when one partner is hesitant about therapy. It can help to have open discussions about the potential benefits of therapy and to reassure them that it's a supportive and non-judgmental environment.
If you're looking to improve your emotional health in your relationship, there are a few key things that you can do. First, make sure that you're communicating openly and honestly with your partner. Second, make sure that you're respecting each other's needs and boundaries. Third, be willing to compromise when necessary. And fourth, always show kindness and understanding towards each other.
There are many trust-building activities that you and your partner can do together. Some examples include sharing your deepest fears, revealing a secret, or taking turns being blindfolded and leading each other around.
During your first couples counseling session, your therapist will likely gather information about your relationship history, current challenges, and individual backgrounds. They may also ask about your goals for therapy and what you hope to achieve. This initial session serves as an opportunity for you and your partner to become comfortable with the therapist and begin building trust in the therapeutic process.
