No one is perfect, and there will be things we don’t love about our partners but deal with because we love them.
That being said, being in a relationship isn’t an excuse to unleash your worst behaviours and expect them to put up with it because you’re together. In fact, there are certain things your partner should never have to abide in your relationship, nor should you from them.
1. Constant criticism
Your partner should never have to deal with being constantly criticised. Everyone has flaws, but pointing them out repeatedly only chips away at their confidence and self-worth. Constant negativity wears down the relationship and builds resentment. Over time, it can create an emotional divide that’s hard to repair.
2. Emotional manipulation
Using guilt, blame, or manipulation to control your partner’s emotions is never acceptable. This behaviour creates an unhealthy dynamic and undermines trust in the relationship. Emotional manipulation slowly erodes your partner’s sense of self. It turns what should be a supportive environment into something toxic and damaging.
3. Disrespecting their boundaries
Every person has boundaries, and your partner’s should always be respected. Ignoring or pushing against their limits shows a lack of consideration for their needs. A relationship without respect for boundaries leads to frustration and resentment. Healthy relationships thrive when both people feel safe and respected.
4. Stonewalling during arguments
Refusing to communicate or shutting down during disagreements is a form of emotional withdrawal. Stonewalling prevents resolution and leaves your partner feeling unheard. Over time, it deepens emotional distance and makes resolving issues nearly impossible. Ignoring problems doesn’t make them go away—it makes them worse.
5. Being dismissive of their feelings
Your partner’s emotions are valid, even if you don’t understand them. Being dismissive of their feelings shows a lack of empathy and compassion, and it makes your partner feel undervalued and ignored. A lack of emotional support weakens the foundation of your relationship.
6. Taking them for granted
Source: Unsplash When you stop appreciating the little things your partner does, it can create resentment. Taking your partner for granted makes them feel undervalued and unimportant. Over time, this can lead to emotional disconnection. Gratitude is essential in maintaining a strong, balanced relationship.
7. Lying or hiding things
Source: Unsplash Honesty is the cornerstone of any relationship. Lying or hiding things from your partner, whether big or small, breaks the trust between you. Without trust, the relationship starts to crumble, and rebuilding it isn’t easy. Transparency fosters security and keeps your bond strong.
8. Public humiliation
Source: Unsplash Criticising or making fun of your partner in public is never okay. Public humiliation is a sign of disrespect and leaves lasting damage to the relationship. It can take away their confidence and make them feel small. Your partner should feel safe and valued, especially in front of other people.
9. Making all the decisions
Source: Unsplash If you’re the one making all the decisions without your partner’s input, it creates an imbalance of power. A healthy relationship involves equal decision-making, where both partners’ opinions are valued. Ignoring your partner’s voice can lead to frustration and resentment. A partnership means sharing the load, not taking control.
10. Neglecting their emotional needs
Source: Unsplash Your partner has emotional needs that deserve attention. Neglecting these needs, whether out of ignorance or indifference, creates a divide between you. Emotional neglect leaves your partner feeling lonely and unsupported. Meeting each other’s emotional needs is key to maintaining a strong relationship.
11. Financial control
Source: Unsplash Controlling all the finances or limiting your partner’s financial independence is a form of manipulation. Both partners should have a say in financial matters and maintain some level of autonomy. Financial control can lead to feelings of powerlessness and resentment. A healthy relationship involves equal participation in all aspects, including money.
12. Lack of support for their goals
Source: Unsplash Your partner’s ambitions and goals deserve support, not indifference. Whether it’s career aspirations or personal projects, being unsupportive can make them feel alone. Not supporting their goals shows a lack of investment in their personal growth. Encouraging each other’s dreams strengthens the bond between you.
13. Disregarding their personal time
Source: Unsplash Your partner has the right to personal time and space, and you should respect that. Disregarding their need for alone time or personal activities can create tension. Everyone needs time to recharge, even in the closest of relationships. A healthy balance of togetherness and personal space is essential for long-term happiness.
14. Jealousy and possessiveness
Source: Unsplash Constant jealousy and possessiveness are signs of insecurity, not love. Worse, they make your partner feel trapped and suffocated. Jealousy undermines trust and creates a toxic environment. A strong relationship is built on trust and the freedom to be yourself without fear of constant scrutiny.
15. Comparing them to other people
Source: Unsplash Comparing your partner to other people, whether it’s past relationships or someone else’s spouse, is hurtful and unfair. Everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses, and comparisons only breed insecurity. Constant comparisons erode your partner’s confidence and self-worth. Focus on celebrating their unique qualities instead of measuring them against anyone else.
16. Expecting them to read your mind
Your partner can’t read your mind, and expecting them to know what you’re thinking without clear communication leads to frustration. Openly expressing your thoughts and feelings is the only way to avoid misunderstandings and resentment. Clear communication ensures both partners are on the same page and feel understood.
17. Emotional unavailability
If you’re emotionally unavailable, your partner ends up carrying the emotional weight of the relationship. Being emotionally distant or closed off leaves your partner feeling unsupported and isolated. Emotional unavailability leads to a lack of connection and intimacy. Both partners need to be emotionally present to sustain a healthy relationship.
