If you’re longing for a relationship overflowing with love and connection, it’s time to bid farewell to a few sneaky habits that might be silently sabotaging your partner’s feeling of being cherished.

These 8 common behaviors, often brushed aside in the chaos of daily life, can subtly chip away at the bedrock of intimacy and trust. From zoning out during conversations to neglecting their emotional needs, each habit has the power to weaken the bonds of respect and understanding.

But fret not, because by acknowledging and tackling these habits head-on, you’re laying the groundwork for a relationship that goes beyond the ordinary. 

Ready? Let’s dive right in. 

1) Being overly critical

This one really hit me hard.

I used to find fault in every little thing my partner did – from his eating habits to his choice of clothes. I thought I was helping him improve, but in reality, I was chipping away at his confidence and sense of worth.

Then, one day, he opened up about how my constant criticism made him feel small and unloved. That was my wake-up call. Love isn’t about molding someone into your idea of perfection; it’s about embracing their quirks and imperfections.

If you catch yourself constantly nitpicking your partner, it’s time to pump the brakes. After all, if they wanted critiques, they’d pick up a newspaper, not be in a relationship.

2) Ignoring their feelings

Another habit I had to kick was ignoring my partner’s feelings. Let me tell you a story.

We were watching a movie one night when he suddenly became quiet and withdrawn. At first, I ignored it, thinking he was just tired. But as the night wore on, his mood didn’t improve.

It wasn’t until the next day that I asked him what was wrong. He had been feeling low about something at work and needed someone to talk to.

That’s when I realized that by dismissing his feelings, I was making him feel unloved and alone in his struggles.

If you’re doing the same with your partner, you might want to reconsider how you respond when they’re upset or in a bad mood. Remember, love is about being there for each other in both good times and bad.

3) Taking them for granted

This is a tricky one because it often happens subconsciously.

You get comfortable with your partner being there for you, doing things for you, and you forget to appreciate them. You assume they know how much they mean to you.

But here’s the thing: according to research, feeling appreciated and valued by your partner is a key predictor of satisfaction in long-term relationships.

Thus, it might be time to start saying ‘thank you’ more often, or better yet, show your gratitude through gestures that speak their love language. This can make them feel deeply loved and valued.

4) Not making time for them

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get swept away by our busy schedules. Work, friends, hobbies…they all demand our time.

And sometimes, our partners get pushed to the sidelines. We assume they understand. We think we’ll make it up to them later. But what we don’t realize is how this makes them feel.

Imagine being in their shoes, seeing your partner constantly choose other things over spending time with you. It hurts, doesn’t it?

Your partner needs to feel like a priority, not an afterthought. So no matter how busy you are, make time for them. Even if it’s just a few minutes of undivided attention each day, it can make all the difference in making them feel deeply loved.

5) Not expressing your love

I’ve always been a bit reserved when it comes to pouring out my emotions. I figured my actions spoke volumes, and my partner would feel my love through what I did.

Then, one day, my partner asked me why I never said those three little words: ‘I love you.’ It caught me off guard. That’s when it hit me – while actions matter, words have their own magic.

But it’s not just about those three words. It’s about vocalizing your feelings, showering them with admiration, and expressing gratitude for who they are. It’s about ensuring they feel cherished, valued, and deeply loved.

Now, I’ve made it a habit to express my love verbally too. And the way my partner’s face lights up when I do? It’s a moment I wouldn’t trade for the world.

6) Holding onto past mistakes

We all make mistakes, don’t we? But sometimes, we find it hard to let go of our partner’s past errors. We bring them up during arguments, use them as ammunition.

I used to do this too until I realized how much it hurt my partner. Every time I mentioned a past mistake, it was like reopening an old wound. It made them feel as if they were constantly on trial, that their efforts to improve and make amends were going unnoticed.

So, I decided to let go of the past and focus on the present. And guess what? Our relationship improved dramatically.

If you’re holding onto your partner’s past mistakes, it might be time to let go. Remember, love is about forgiveness and giving your partner the chance to learn and grow.

7) Not supporting their dreams and ambitions

Check this out: Researchers tell us that having a supportive partner is a major predictor of relationship satisfaction and conflict resolution.

Backing your partner’s aspirations isn’t just about being their cheerleader. It’s about being their sounding board, their motivator, their safe harbor when life gets tough.

I got a firsthand lesson in this when my partner embarked on his entrepreneurial journey. Through the highs and lows, my role wasn’t just to cheerlead but to be his rock, his confidant.

If you’re not already on board, maybe it’s time to jump in. Take an interest in their dreams, inquire about their plans, lend a hand when they need it. It’s the stuff that deepens love and builds unwavering support.

8) Not spending quality time together

With Netflix, social media, and smartphones constantly vying for our attention, it’s easy to spend time together without really being present.

I remember spending evenings with my partner, both of us engrossed in our own devices. We were together, yet we weren’t. We were missing out on opportunities to connect on a deeper level.

That’s when we decided to have device-free time every day. Just us, talking, laughing, sharing our day. It made a world of difference.

If you’re not spending quality time with your partner, it might be time to start. Put away the distractions and focus on each other. It can make your partner feel deeply loved and valued.

Love: It’s the journey, not just the destination!

In wrapping up, it’s vital to recognize that fostering a deep sense of love in your relationship isn’t solely about the actions you take, but also about the behaviors you choose to let go of.

It’s about bidding farewell to habits that inflict pain and embracing those that nurture and mend. Moreover, it’s crucial to understand that love isn’t static; it’s an ongoing journey filled with twists and turns, growth and evolution.

As you navigate this journey together, remember to remain open to learning, to strive for personal and relational growth, and above all, to continuously cultivate and express love in all its forms. Because ultimately, love isn’t just a destination to reach; it’s a lifelong adventure to embark on, hand in hand with your partner.