5 Ways You Might Be Sabotaging Your Relationships – And How to Fix Them

Relationships are hard work, we all know that. But sometimes, we make them harder than they need to be. We might not even be aware of the ways in which we’re sabotaging our relationships – and that’s where this article comes in. Here are five common relationship pitfalls, and what you can do to avoid them.

The Clingy Partner

Being clingy is one of the biggest relationship killers out there. While it might seem cute at first – you want to spend all your time with your partner and can’t wait to hear from them again – it quickly becomes suffocating. Constantly texting or calling your partner, to the point where they can’t go an hour without hearing from you, is a recipe for disaster. You might think you’re showing them how much you care, but what you’re actually doing is pushing them away.

So, how do you fix this? The solution is simple: give them space. You don’t need to change who you are to be less clingy – just recognise that your partner needs some breathing room. Let them initiate contact sometimes, and try not to take it personally if they don’t get back to you right away. Remember, every relationship has its own natural ebb and flow – trust in that.

The Jealous Partner

Jealousy is another major relationship issue. Of course, some degree of jealousy is understandable – nobody likes to see their partner getting hit on, for example. But when jealousy becomes a constant presence in your relationship, it can be damaging. It might make you want to forbid your partner from seeing certain friends, or constantly question their loyalty.

To avoid this, try to take a breath before reacting. Ask yourself whether your jealousy is really justified – do you truly not trust your partner, or are you overreacting? Remember that a little bit of space is healthy in any relationship, and that you don’t have to be involved in every aspect of your partner’s life. Ultimately, trust is key – if you can’t trust your partner, that’s a bigger issue than simply being jealous.

The Insecure Partner

Do you constantly need reassurance that your partner loves you? Do you need to be touched or hugged all the time? This is a sign of insecurity, and while it’s natural to want to feel loved and appreciated, constantly seeking validation can be exhausting for your partner.

To overcome your insecurity, take some time to focus on yourself. Work on building your self-esteem and confidence. Identify what makes you unique and special, and don’t rely on your partner to validate you. Remember that true love should be given freely, without needing to constantly ask for it.

The Sex-Obsessed Partner

Sex is an important part of any relationship – but if it’s the only thing you care about, that’s a problem. If you come across as only interested in sex, your partner may feel objectified or used. It’s important to connect emotionally with your partner as well as physically.

If you’re struggling with this, try to open up to your partner on a deeper level. Share your thoughts, feelings and fears with them. Get to know them as a person, rather than just an object of desire. This will help you build a more meaningful connection that goes beyond the physical.

The Fearful Partner

Lastly, if you’re constantly afraid of being alone, that can put a strain on your relationship. You might jump from one relationship to the next, or rely too heavily on your partner for emotional support.

The solution here is to spend some time alone – scary as that might be. Learn to be comfortable in your own skin, and work on building a relationship with yourself. Take up hobbies, travel, or spend time with friends. This will help you gain confidence and independence, and ultimately make you a better partner in the long run.

There you have it – five common relationship pitfalls, and how to avoid them. Remember, relationships take work – but they shouldn’t be a constant source of stress or frustration. By working on yourself and being mindful of these common mistakes, you can build a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling relationship.