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Relationships can be incredibly fulfilling, but maintaining a healthy relationship over time takes more than just good intentions and love; it requires actively working on habits that build trust and mutual respect.
Unfortunately, even in the most committed relationships, small issues can slowly chip away at harmony until they become larger problems over time.
If you’re worried your current habits may be undermining your relationship, take a few minutes to read through these 14 habits that could potentially be damaging.
From interacting on your phone too much to being judgmental of each other’s opinions, this list will help ensure that you are taking proactive steps to nurture and cultivate a successful long-term partnership.
#1. Money Stress
Money matters rank among the stressors in marriages.
Disagreements about spending, saving, or investing can put a strain on the fabric of a relationship.
Money issues can quickly escalate tensions, whether it involves purchases or conflicting financial goals.
Engaging in dialogue, setting shared goals, and practicing financial practices can help protect the marriage from such stressors.
#2. Ignoring the Little Things
Like a tapestry, marriage comprises love, understanding, and shared experiences.
It’s the things that truly matter in a relationship. Remembering anniversaries or knowing each other’s foods are acts that show attention and care.
These small gestures lay the foundation for a thriving partnership.
When we overlook them, it can create a void that may grow into a divide over time.
We can ensure our connection remains strong and authentic by prioritizing these details.
#3. No Work Boundaries
While work is important, so is one’s life.
Carrying work stress or constantly being tied to the office blurs the boundaries between personal spheres.
This erosion of separation deprives couples of quality time that should be spent together.
Establishing boundaries between work and personal life ensures that both partners are physically and emotionally present in their relationship.
Remember that a thriving marriage relies on shared moments and mutual respect’s time.
#4. Let Your Friends Influence You
Friends are like chosen family members who have an impact on our lives.
However, it’s important to remember that their opinions and advice should never overshadow the core values of your marriage.
It should raise concerns if friends criticize your spouse or encourage actions that breach trust.
Protecting your bond from external influences becomes crucial for its well-being.
Your relationship should remain sacred and shielded from any impact caused by these factors.
#5. Not Helping Around the House
Being in a partnership means sharing responsibilities regarding tasks like household chores.
While they may not seem exciting, these chores play a role in maintaining harmony within a marriage.
When one partner takes on most duties, it can create a sense of imbalance and unfairness.
If left unaddressed, this resentment can quietly erode the harmony between partners.
Taking an approach to household chores lightens the load and strengthens the bond between partners.
#6. Bad Body Language
Communication extends beyond words.
How we stand, make eye contact, or cross our arms can convey more than what’s spoken.
These nonverbal cues often reveal disinterest, anger, or discomfort.
By being aware of our body language and interpreting our partner’s cues, we can prevent feelings from festering.
Addressing these signs can prevent misunderstandings before they escalate.
#7. Unrealistic Expectations
Marriage is undoubtedly beautiful. It’s essential to understand that it isn’t like a fairy tale from movies or books.
Placing expectations on your partner sets the stage for disappointment and dissatisfaction.
These expectations often arise from media portrayals or past relationship experiences.
Recognizing and adjusting these expectations based on reality ensures that your marriage is built on understanding and grounded in real-life dynamics.
#8. Overcommitting to Other Things
While personal growth and individual commitments are pivotal, they shouldn’t come at the marriage’s expense.
From late work hours to social engagements, overcommitting can create feelings of abandonment or second priority in a spouse.
This imbalance can lead to a buildup of resentment and misunderstandings.
Navigating this requires open communication and mutual respect for each other’s time and commitments.
#9. Avoid Conflict
Nevertheless, evading conflicts may result in emotions and unresolved matters.
Confronting concerns, even if it temporarily causes disagreement, fosters. Honesty.
A strong and fulfilling marriage demands confronting challenges directly and working together to find resolutions.
#10. Not Checking In
Marriage is a shared journey, and regular communication is its compass.
With the chaos of daily life, it’s easy for spouses to lose touch with each other’s emotional landscapes.
A simple “How was your day?” can make a difference.
Failing to maintain these daily check-ins can leave a partner feeling lost and disconnected.
These small conversational bridges prevent partners from becoming strangers in the long run.
#11. Stopped Small Acts of Affection
Affection is the language of love.
Whether holding hands during a movie or leaving love notes, these gestures are timeless affirmations of love.
Their absence can sound alarm bells, indicating a potential emotional retreat.
Keeping this language alive ensures the heart’s connection remains unyielding to external pressures.
#12. Always Online
In today’s fast-paced world, technology is a double-edged sword.
On one hand, it provides instant connectivity; on the other, it can foster emotional distance in close relationships.
Being constantly glued to screens, whether for work or leisure, can overshadow real-life interactions.
When moments of shared laughter, eye contact, or deep conversations are swapped for screen time, it silently erodes the foundation of trust and intimacy.
It’s vital to strike a balance, ensuring that digital life doesn’t eclipse marital life.
#13. It Feels Like An Obligation
If your relationship feels like a chore or something you’re just obligated to do out of respect, then it’s time to make a change fast.
Relationships should be full of fun and excitement – not school-like attendance policies!
When it starts feeling like an obligation, it is likely that one or both partners have lost sight of their original connection.
#14. New “Solo” Hobbies
When your partner begins to develop and pursue a lot of new hobbies, it can be a sign that there is something missing in the relationship.
It’s important to make sure you’re both spending enough time together, and also giving each other enough space for individual growth.
If one partner starts taking on too many solo activities, it could mean they are feeling distant from the other.
Encouraging each other to take on hobbies and projects that you can both enjoy together is a great way to reignite your connection.
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Jon Dulin is the passionate leader of Unfinished Success, a personal development website that inspires people to take control of their own lives and reach their full potential. His commitment to helping others achieve greatness shines through in everything he does. He’s an unstoppable force with lots of wisdom, creativity, and enthusiasm – all focused on helping others build a better future. Jon enjoys writing articles about productivity, goal setting, self-development, and mindset. He also uses quotes and affirmations to help motivate and inspire himself. You can learn more about him on his About page.