1. Neglecting Your Partner (ignoring, workaholism, addictions):
A primary function of the romantic relationship is to supply companionship and to meet every other’s requirements. When other activities, interests or preoccupations interfere with our availability, we can wind up short-changing our partner. This could be thought of as absenteeism or becoming MIA. Taking an inventory and making adjustments in how we invest our time may be the first step in correcting this problem. Treat your partner as the essential individual they’re by spending enough quality time together to satisfy every of your requirements in this area and to maintain your connection.
2. Depriving Your Partner (not being attentive, expressive, affectionate, supportive, caring, loving):
Becoming there physically is not enough. We cannot anticipate our relationship to thrive if we withdraw emotionally for extended periods of time. So that you can be completely present, we must be conscious of our partner and be willing to show how we feel both verbally and non-verbally. Expressing adore although affection and caring behaviors are essential to keeping a romantic relationship strong and vibrant. Small regular doses of intimacy will usually suffice, and the most essential times of day to communicate positively are upon waking, upon reuniting after a long day, and before going to sleep.
3. Dishonesty & Betrayal (infidelity, lying):
Most people are conscious that the foundation of any romantic relationship is T-R-U-S-T. In no romantic relationship is trust more important than in a relationship between mates, except for a parent and dependent child romantic relationship. Cheating and lying breaks down the basis for a relationship, and often results in its demise. A problem of this nature is serious, and resolving it should be a top priority if the romantic relationship would be to survive. Couples counseling is highly recommended so that you can facilitate the changes that are needed.
4. Attacking Your Partner (blaming, abuse – physical, emotional, sexual):
Aggressive communication is simply unacceptable, especially if the abuse is getting physical. Physical or sexual abuse is deal-breakers in a marriage, and should prompt a permanent separation. The abusive partner needs to get professional help to learn skills in anger management, so that you can gain and consistently demonstrate better control over his or her emotions and behavior. Even if the help is sought and progress is made, the risk of recurrence remains high, so in most cases, the abused spouse should not return to the romantic relationship. Returning serves to reinforce the abusive behavior, leading to increased severity and frequency of subsequent abuse. Instead, the abused partner should also seek help, and work through issues that have potential to lead one into another abusive relationship. Verbally blaming, accusing, and insulting your partner are less extreme forms of destructiveness, but are not OK either, and assertiveness training can supply the essential skills for healthy communication.
5. Scapegoating (taking your anger or frustration out on you spouse):
We all know that it’s not right to kick the dog right after a hard day at work, so why do it to your spouse? Being held responsible for things that are out of our control may be the most stressful of conditions, and that is what we do to our partner when we scapegoat them. Rather than hurt the ones you adore, do what it takes to meet the real issue head-on, as effectively as you can. If you are unsure of how to address a problem, the strong and mature thing to do is to ask for help and support from trusted sources (i.e., a friend, relative, or therapist).
6. Negativism (nitpicking, nagging, criticizing):
In order to have a good romantic relationship, the positives should outweigh the negatives by a large percentage. If negativity is creeping into your romantic relationship, it is like water seeping into walls, eventually weakening the structure. People generally feel good around others who are upbeat and positive, as well as those who help them to really feel good about themselves. Bringing a negative spirit into your romantic relationship crowds out the positive. However, pushing aside or neglecting to address real problems is not the answer either, and could be just as harmful to relationship health as dwelling on the negative. So pick your battles wisely, strive to communicate effectively, and practice cooperative negotiation.
7. Gossiping (telling family or friends about your problems but not addressing them with your spouse):
That’s right, if you are talking about the problems in your romantic relationship with friends or relatives but not working on improving the situation, which amounts to gossip. Gossip isn’t a productive way to handle problems, and can result in additional problems. For instance, your partner may really feel betrayed that you revealed sensitive material to others that cause him or her to become embarrassed or uncomfortable around them. Also, if you promote a negative side of the spouse or your romantic relationship, others may get a distorted view, and changes in their attitudes and behavior may follow. Others may remember your conflicts long rights after you and your spouse have gotten past them. Instead, work on improving your communication skills. Turn toward your spouse, not away. If you need help, seek out the assistance of an objective third party such as a therapist who works with couples. When it comes to your requirements, stop complaining and start asking!
8. Controlling Your Spouse (“my way” or else, perfectionism, trying to change your spouse, possessiveness):
Wanting things to be a certain way and having preferences are completely natural and even healthy. However, when this tendency becomes extreme and starts to encroach on the rights, needs and desires of others, it can cause major havoc. Freedom of will and self-determination are basic needs, and when these are being threatened, negative reactions may include anger, resentment, and/or rebellion. If the need to control is a problem in your relationship, identify the motivations behind it and work towards dealing with those issues rather than acting them out with your spouse.
9. Putting Yourself Very first (self-centeredness, selfishness, entitlement):
It’s not “all about me,” folks. Letting one’s self interests take priority in an unbalanced way can be toxic to a partnership. The other individual generally winds up feeling deprived, resentful, and unimportant. Furthermore, the more self-involved you are, the more you take your relationship for granted, the less you appreciate your partner, and the more alone you actually are. So if your relationship is slanted in this way, you also lose out, because you experience less of the joy that a true connection brings. You and you spouse both get more from the relationship through reciprocity in giving and receiving.
10. Putting Yourself Last (self-neglect, passivity, self sacrifice):
Martyrs are seldom happy. More often, they’re angry, bitter, resentful, depressed and burned out. This is not to say that you should not consider others and be thoughtful in meeting their needs. But having a healthy relationship involves factoring your own requirements and desires into the equation. You teach people how to treat you, and if you act like a doormat, you can’t completely blame someone if they wipe their feet on you. Learn how to stand up for yourself, practice assertive communication, ask and allow others to meet your requirements, and take care of yourself as much as you take care of the loved ones.
What was wrong can often be made right:
Problems could be used as lessons; we can choose to learn from them, and find a better way. Each of these relationship wreckers is related to one or more schemas, which are maladaptive patterns of thinking and feeling that are outwardly expressed in negative coping behaviors. These patterns are typically learned in childhood, and get perpetuated and elaborated during one’s life. Everyone has schemas, both positive and negative. The negative ones were once adaptive, but are no longer appropriate or productive. Self-help and improvement efforts may get you a lengthy way towards where you want to be. In addition, Cognitive Therapy and Schema-Focused Therapy are effective treatments for overcoming these patterns by replacing them with new, healthy ways of thinking, feeling and behaving.
Top 10 cases that can destroy your relationship