Want a Lasting Relationship? Ditch These Toxic Behaviors ASAP

We hoped everything would go well for the rest of our lives after we started a new relationship. Unfortunately, sometimes people have some toxic relationship habits that can ruin everything. If you don't want your relationship to end soon, you should avoid these toxic behaviors:

Criticizing your partner's appearance

If you constantly criticize your partner's appearance, it can make them feel insecure and cause problems in the relationship. It's essential to support your partner and help them feel good about themselves. If you have advice regarding their appearance, it should be given constructively and positively. For instance, you can tell them that you think they would look good with a new haircut.

Constantly Needing to Be Right

Nobody likes to be wrong, but constantly needing to be right can be toxic in a relationship. This behavior can lead to arguments and resentment. It's important to be open-minded and listen to your partner's point of view, even if you disagree with it. Professionals suggest you try to see things from your partner's perspective. And sometimes, it's okay to admit that you're wrong.

Bringing up Your Partner's Past Mistakes

We all make mistakes, but dwelling on your partner's past mistakes is toxic behavior. This will only make your partner feel inadequate and not help the relationship. If your partner has done something wrong in the past, forgive them and move on. Don't bring up old arguments or try to use them against your partner. It is more common for toxic partners to bring up their partner's past mistakes to control them or make them feel guilty.

Checking Your Partner's Phone Without Their Permission

This is a big no-no in any relationship. Trust is essential for a healthy relationship, and snooping through your partner's phone is a significant violation of trust. Nowadays, your partner's phone can be unlocked using a fingerprint, FaceId, or code, so it is not so easy to check it without being noticed. If you're feeling insecure or suspicious, you should talk to your partner about it openly instead of snooping around behind their back.

Gaslighting

Gaslighting is a manipulative tactic that can be very harmful in a relationship. It involves making your partner question their own memories or sanity. For example, you might tell your partner they're being paranoid when they're not. Or you might say something like, "You're imagining things," when they know they're not. If you gaslight your partner, it will only create distrust and resentment.

Threatening to Leave the Relationship

Threatening to leave the relationship is toxic behavior that can only lead to more problems. This behavior creates an unhealthy dynamic in the relationship and can make your partner feel like they're not good enough. If you're unhappy in the relationship, you must talk to your partner about it instead of threatening to leave.

Playing Mind Games

Mind games are never healthy for a relationship. This type of behavior will only create mistrust and cause problems. If you think your partner is playing mind games with you, you must talk to them about it. Some examples of mind games are:
- Leading your partner on
- Making them jealous
- Playing hard to get
- Making them feel guilty

Being Passive-Aggressive

Being passive-aggressive is a toxic behavior when it comes to relationships. This type of behavior communicates to your partner that you're not interested in them and can lead to arguments. This type of behavior creates an unhealthy dynamic in the relationship and can make your partner feel like they're walking on eggshells. If you're unhappy with something, please speak up to your partner instead of being passive-aggressive.

Sky-High Expectations

When you have sky-high expectations for your relationship, it sets you up for disappointment. It's much better to be realistic about what you can expect from your relationship and to communicate your needs to your partner. 

Making Your Partner Choose Between You and Their Friends or Family

Making your partner choose between you and their friends or family is toxic behavior that can damage a relationship. This behavior is observed in situations like: "You can't go out with your friends unless I can come along," or "You have to spend all your time with me." This type of behavior creates an unhealthy dynamic in the relationship and can make your partner feel like they're not allowed to have a life outside of the relationship. 

Comparing Your Relationship to Others

Comparing your relationship to others is toxic behavior that can damage your self-esteem and relationship satisfaction. This behavior communicates to your partner that you're not happy with them and can lead to arguments. More often, people compare their relationship to others to describe to the partner an example of what they would like to have in the relationship. If you're unhappy with something - talk to your partner about it instead of comparing them to others.

These are just some of the toxic behaviors that can ruin your relationship. If you want a healthy and long-lasting relationship, avoiding these behaviors is essential. If you're unsure how to fix a toxic behavior, it's vital to seek relationship help from a professional.