Sustaining a flourishing relationship often demands considerable effort, regardless of whether you’re the most destined of partners.
Fortunately, there are several pitfalls to steer clear of if you aim to maintain a harmonious relationship.
From the glaringly evident to the nuanced, here are several actions to refrain from if you wish to sustain a thriving relationship.
Indeed, a relationship functions as a mutual endeavor, requiring effort from both partners to ensure its seamless continuation.
So let’s begin with 15 things you not do in order to have a healthy relationship:
Cheating
Cheating is unequivocally wrong. There are no justifications for it. It undermines trust and constitutes a betrayal. It’s imperative to refrain from engaging in such behavior.
These are some things to avoid when maintaining a healthy relationship. Credit: Richard Drury / Getty
Neglecting friendships
Embarking on a new relationship brings excitement, yet it can also become consuming at times.
Maintaining connections with friends remains crucial even after finding the love of your life, segueing into our next topic…
Losing your own sense of yourself
This aspect can circle back to the importance of friendship, emphasizing the significance of not losing oneself in the dynamics of a relationship.
This could entail carving out alone time or pursuing hobbies independently from your relationship.
Putting everything else before the relationship
However, it’s essential to emphasize that prioritizing the relationship is also crucial.
Achieving that balance is a vital aspect of maintaining a healthy relationship.
Failure to maintain a healthy relationship could lead to arguments. Credit: Pixabay
Not putting effort in
Relationships differ from sealed biomes filled with plants; they are not inherently self-sustaining.
This entails investing effort into the relationship, which can encompass tasks like planning birthdays and anniversaries or arranging vacations for both of you.
Keeping a score and holding grudges
In a relationship, it’s not about competing or trying to “win”; rather, it’s about being there for each other.
Not supporting your partner
This should be evident, but it’s essential to be there for your partner, whether that involves celebrating their successes or supporting them through challenges.
Snooping
While the temptation to go through someone’s phone may arise, it’s crucial to recognize that doing so constitutes a significant breach of trust and is disrespectful.
Becoming desensitised to someone
Relationships inevitably evolve. Remaining in the honeymoon stage indefinitely isn’t sustainable; growth and change are natural progressions.
Nevertheless, it’s essential to avoid taking your partner for granted, even as the relationship evolves.
Relationships require maintenance. Credit: Tim Robberts / Getty
Taking stabs at each other
This method is guaranteed to prevent you from completing a conversation without encountering passive-aggressive behavior, indicating a troubling sign.
Comparing your partner
Regardless of whether it’s directed towards past partners or others, it’s essential to cherish and value your partner for their genuine self.
Trying to change them
Expanding on the earlier point, it’s important not to attempt to shape someone into your ideal image of them.
Embrace and cherish them for who they truly are.
Forget them
While it might appear obvious, it’s crucial to acknowledge that other priorities may arise in life. However, it remains essential to carve out time for your loved ones.
Bringing the past up
This signals a significant warning in an argument, suggesting an unwillingness to forgive, particularly for minor issues.
Ignoring or dismissing problems
Even the most exceptional relationships encounter difficulties at times.
Neglecting or brushing aside these challenges won’t resolve them; instead, they tend to escalate, making it even more challenging to address when they eventually surface.
