If you want your new relationship to last, say goodbye to these 12 habits
New relationship on the horizon? Sounds exciting, right? But it can also feel like walking on eggshells.
We all have those little habits that might not be the best fit for the honeymoon phase. No need to stress though, we’ve got your back.
We’ve identified 12 habits that might be acting as roadblocks to your happily ever after.
By bidding farewell to these habits, you’re paving the way for your new romance to really flourish.
So, ready for this journey of self-improvement and love? Let’s dive right in. Trust us, it’s going to be an eye-opener!
1) Being overly possessive
Let’s kick things off with a biggie – possessiveness.
It’s natural to want to spend every moment with your new love interest, but remember, they had a life before you came along.
Respect their individuality and give them space to breathe. Overly possessive behavior can suffocate a budding relationship.
It’s time to say adios to this habit and embrace trust and freedom instead.
2) Avoiding communication
Up next – dodging meaningful communication.
You might be thinking, “But we talk all day!” Sure, but it’s not about the quantity, it’s about the quality. Deep and open conversations strengthen the bond between two people.
If you’re avoiding such talks because they make you uncomfortable or scared, it’s time to let that habit go. Embrace honest communication and watch your relationship bloom.
3) Ignoring the small things
Now let’s talk about the small things.
It may not seem like a big deal, but I remember once when I was in the early stages of a relationship, I’d often ignore the little things my partner did for me.
Whether it was a small favor or simply a sweet text message, I didn’t acknowledge them as I should have. Over time, I realized I was taking these acts of love for granted.
From personal experience, cherishing and acknowledging the little things can truly make a big difference in your relationship.
4) Neglecting self-care
Here’s an interesting fact: According to the Mental Health First Aid USA, individuals who engage in regular self-care are often better at handling stress and have healthier relationships.
It’s easy to get lost in the whirlwind of a new relationship and forget to take care of yourself. But remember, self-care isn’t selfish. It’s essential.
Taking time for your interests and needs helps you bring your best self to the relationship.
5) Holding onto past baggage
Love is a beautiful journey, but sometimes, it’s tainted by the shadows of our past.
It’s heartbreaking to see a new relationship crumble under the weight of old baggage. We’ve all been hurt before, and it’s totally okay to feel scared.
But here’s the thing, this is a new chapter in your life. Your new partner is not the person who hurt you in the past.
So let’s make a heartfelt promise to leave our baggage at the door and step into this new relationship with an open heart and open mind.
6) Comparing your partner to others
I must confess, I’ve been guilty of this one. In the initial stages of a relationship, it’s so easy to fall into the trap of comparison. My previous partner did this, my friend’s boyfriend does that… sound familiar?
But over time, I realized that this habit was not only unfair to my partner but also destructive to our relationship.
Every person is unique in their own way and deserves to be loved and appreciated for who they are, not compared to someone else.
7) Avoiding vulnerability
Let’s get real here. We’re all a little scared of being vulnerable.
Of opening up our hearts and letting someone see the raw, unfiltered us. It’s terrifying, isn’t it? The fear of being judged or rejected can be overwhelming.
But here’s the bitter truth – if you want your relationship to last, you have to let your guard down. It might be uncomfortable and scary, but it’s also incredibly freeing.
Being vulnerable allows for deeper connections and can truly strengthen your relationship. Let’s take the leap, shall we?
8) Sweeping issues under the rug
Did you know that according to a study, couples who tackle issues head on are happier than those who avoid conflict?
It’s tempting to sweep issues under the rug in a new relationship to keep the peace.
But in reality, this habit can create resentment and lead to bigger problems down the line. Embrace healthy confrontation and bid goodbye to avoidance.
9) Forgetting to say ‘Thank you’
I remember feeling a bit taken aback when my partner expressed how they felt unappreciated. I was confused because I did appreciate them, but then I realized – I wasn’t expressing it.
Simple words of gratitude like ‘Thank you’ can sometimes slip our minds in the rush of daily life. But these two words hold immense power.
They can make your partner feel valued and loved. From my own experience, I can tell you that saying ‘Thank you’ more often definitely strengthens the bond in a relationship.
10) Ignoring your partner’s needs
Let’s face it, we can sometimes get so wrapped up in our own needs and wants that we forget about our partner’s.
No one is a mind reader in a relationship. Ignoring your partner’s needs can lead to feelings of neglect and dissatisfaction.
Why not be honest with ourselves, step out of our bubble and make an effort to understand and cater to our partner’s needs as well.
11) Taking your partner for granted
Here’s a hard pill to swallow – we often take the people closest to us for granted.
In the early stages of a relationship, everything is new and exciting. But as time goes by, we start to take things – and people – for granted.
Your partner’s efforts, their love, their time – none of it should be taken for granted. Try to make a promise to appreciate our partners, each day, every day.
12) Losing your individuality
Last but not least, losing your individuality. It’s easy to lose yourself in the process of becoming ‘we’.
But remember, you were ‘you’ before you became ‘we’. Your individuality is what makes you unique, what made your partner fall in love with you.
Retaining your individuality does not mean creating distance, it means respecting your own self while being in a relationship.
Now is the time to say goodbye to losing ourselves and say hello to loving while being ourselves.