There’s a stark contrast between being truly open-hearted in a relationship and just pretending to be. This difference boils down to actions.

A truly open-hearted person will never manipulate or deceive their partner. Instead, they choose honesty, even when it’s not the easiest path.

Being open-hearted means valuing your partner’s feelings, and making decisions that reflect mutual respect and understanding. And believe it or not, there are certain things that an open-hearted person will never do in a relationship.

Here are eight of those things. Brace yourself – some of them might just surprise you!

1) Crossing boundaries

Being in a relationship doesn’t mean giving up your individuality or your personal space.

A truly open-hearted person understands this. They know that respecting their partner’s boundaries is crucial for a healthy relationship.

Boundaries can range from personal space, time for oneself, to things that are off-limits in conversations. They’re not just physical, but emotional too.

An open-hearted person won’t ever cross these boundaries. They won’t go through their partner’s phone, push them into doing something they’re uncomfortable with, or bring up sensitive topics just to win an argument.

They know that crossing these boundaries will not only hurt their partner but also harm the relationship. So they choose to respect them instead, even when it’s not always easy.

Remember, being open-hearted is about understanding and respecting your partner’s needs and feelings, not just your own.

2) Dishonesty

Open-hearted people value honesty, even when it’s tough. They understand that trust is the foundation of any relationship, and once broken, it’s hard to rebuild.

I remember a situation in my own relationship. I had made a mistake – nothing huge but enough to cause a minor hiccup. For a moment, I considered covering it up to avoid the ensuing discussion.

But then, I remembered what being open-hearted truly means. It means being honest, even when you’re scared of the consequences. So I chose to tell my partner about my mistake.

Yes, there was a discussion. Yes, there were some tense moments. But in the end, my honesty only strengthened our relationship because my partner knew they could trust me to be truthful, even when it wasn’t easy.

An open-hearted person will never resort to dishonesty in a relationship. They know that honesty might sometimes be difficult, but it’s always worth it in the end.

3) Passive-Aggressive Behavior

Open-hearted people are not fans of passive-aggressive behavior. They believe in direct communication and addressing issues head-on, rather than resorting to indirect ways of expressing discontent.

Passive-aggressive behavior usually stems from a fear of confrontation. It’s a way of expressing negative feelings without having to directly address the problem. But it only leads to miscommunication and misunderstandings.

A study published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships found that individuals who often use passive-aggressive tactics in their relationships report lower levels of relationship satisfaction.

An open-hearted person understands this. They choose to express their feelings directly and honestly, rather than going around in circles. They know that clear communication is key to a healthy relationship.

4) Neglecting Self-Care

Open-hearted people understand that taking care of themselves is as important as taking care of their partner. They know that a healthy relationship requires two healthy individuals.

It’s easy to lose oneself in the process of loving someone else, but an open-hearted person will never let this happen. They understand the importance of maintaining their physical, emotional, and mental health.

They make sure to take time for themselves – be it for exercise, reading a book, or simply unwinding with a favorite hobby. This not only helps them stay balanced but also allows them to bring their best self into the relationship.

Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup. An open-hearted person makes sure their cup is always full.

5) Holding Grudges

Life is too short for grudges, and an open-hearted person knows this. They understand that holding onto past hurts only fosters resentment and hinders the growth of the relationship.

When disagreements or misunderstandings occur, as they do in any relationship, an open-hearted person doesn’t let them fester. They talk about it, resolve it, and most importantly, they forgive.

Holding onto grudges is like carrying a heavy weight. It tires you out, and it doesn’t let you move forward. Open-hearted people choose to let go of this weight.

Because in the end, love is about forgiveness. It’s about understanding that your partner is human, just like you, and they’re bound to make mistakes. But with an open heart and a forgiving spirit, these mistakes can become stepping stones to a stronger relationship.

6) Avoiding Difficult Conversations

Open-hearted people know the value of difficult conversations. They understand that avoiding these discussions doesn’t make the issue disappear but only allows it to grow.

I once had a significant concern in my relationship. Instead of addressing it, I chose to sweep it under the rug, hoping it would magically resolve itself. Spoiler alert – it didn’t.

The issue kept growing, and so did my stress. It was only when I finally mustered the courage to have that difficult conversation that things started improving.

An open-hearted person will never shy away from difficult discussions. They understand that these conversations, although uncomfortable, are necessary for the growth and health of the relationship. They choose courage over comfort, every time.

7) Losing Their Identity

Open-hearted people understand the importance of maintaining their own identity in a relationship. They know that a strong relationship consists of two individuals who respect and appreciate each other’s uniqueness.

It’s easy to get so wrapped up in a relationship that you begin to lose sight of who you are as an individual. You might start compromising on your values, giving up on your hobbies, or changing your personality to please your partner.

But an open-hearted person will never do this. They understand that their individuality is not a threat to the relationship but rather an asset. They know that they can love their partner deeply without losing themselves in the process.

Remember, being in a relationship is not about losing yourself but about finding someone who appreciates you for who you truly are. An open-hearted person understands this and lives by it.

8) Putting Their Partner Down

Above everything else, an open-hearted person knows the importance of respect. They understand that love without respect is not love at all.

They will never belittle their partner, make fun of their dreams, or criticize them unnecessarily. They understand that this kind of behavior is not just hurtful, but also damaging to the relationship.

Instead, they choose to uplift their partner, support their dreams, and provide constructive criticism when necessary. They know that this is the foundation of a healthy and loving relationship.

Because at the end of the day, respect is the highest form of love. And an open-hearted person embodies this truth in every aspect of their relationship.

Final thoughts: It’s about love

At the heart of every action, every decision and every word in a relationship is one simple yet profound element – love.

The concept of ‘agape’ love, a term originating from ancient Greek, embodies selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional love. It’s the kind of love that an open-hearted person carries in a relationship.

Being open-hearted is not about being perfect, but about striving to love your partner in the best way you can. It’s about respecting them, valuing their individuality, and cherishing the bond you share.

As renowned American author James Baldwin once said, “Love does not begin and end the way we seem to think it does. Love is a battle, love is a war; love is a growing up.”

So if there’s one thing to take away from this, let it be this: Love with an open heart. Embrace the challenges, cherish the joys and learn from the mistakes. Because an open-hearted love is the most beautiful and rewarding love of all.