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Home · Relationships

8 Tiny Habits That Are Slowly Ruining Your Relationship

Sometimes you really should sweat the small stuff.

By Charli Penn · May 31, 2017October 26, 2020
01
Putting off your time off

It’s easy to put off taking time off when you’re engrossed in work or personal challenges. The trouble is, your relationship needs “me time” too. Self care for lovers means taking time off together to build quality memories that don’t involve juggling the typical day-to-day stressors.

Franziska & Tom Werner/Getty Images
02
Breaking small promises/Telling little white lies

No one likes broken promises or betrayals, be they big or small. If you make plans for date night, keep them – even if it means pushing a reservation back or changing the location so you both can make it there. Keeping your end of the bargain builds trust, and small disappointments can add up to a lot of hurt. Think about it.

Leonardo Patrizi/Getty Images
03
Doubting yourself or your needs
If you’re not clear on what you need to feel happy and complete, than how can you correctly relay those things to your partner? Doubting your gut instincts about how you should be loved and what your love language can lead to poor communication and a rock
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04
Not complaining

It’s easy to feel like a nag when you’re telling your lover about something he or she is doing to hurt or upset you, and subsequently you may start to hold back your true feelings. That’s no good for the long-term health of your relationship. In order for someone to be able to make you happy, they have to know what you want and need.

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05
Ignoring your sex life

A relationship without intimacy can lead to a permanent disconnect, or worse, one built solely and friendship with no romance. A 2016 study published in Psychology Today found that the more often a couple has sex, the more positive attributes they associate with their partner. Don’t let a busy lifestyle become a permanent excuse for not making more time to play between the sheets.

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06
Always putting work first

Finding the right work life balance is a struggle everyone can relate to, and when career pressures rise, the amount of quality time you can spend with bae can absolutely suffer. Prioritize what needs to happen to propel your career, but leave room in your schedule for personal wins.

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07
Spending unwisely

Money remains one of the leading causes of relationship stress. It’s not a rumor; it’s a reliable statistic that affects countless couples. Failing to manage your budget and finances can lead to financial pitfalls, like poor credit and a lacks of savings, that can and often will create speed bumps toward your happily ever after.

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08
Texting instead of calling

Hearing someone’s voice makes a difference. Research suggests that while couple may prefer texting over talking, due to convenience and age, speaking on the phone provides healthier benefits for romantic relationships. Instead of responding to that last text with more words on a screen, up for a video chat or a good old fashioned phone call instead.

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