1. Having a High Negative to Positive Ratio in Your Comments

There’re times in every relationship when something negative must be said. You’re going to have to address difficult situations with your partner. That’s only to be expected. But it’s important to make sure that saying negative things isn’t all you say. Try to make sure you make more positive comments than negative. This’ll make it easier for your partner to hear you when you do have a complaint.

2. Your Communication Patterns Aren’t Healthy

Communication is both important and necessary to have a successful relationship. Work toward learning healthy communication patterns together. If you can’t have a discussion without it becoming a fight or you ignore your feelings to keep the peace ☮then there’re issues. Commit to working on communication together. You can always learn better ways to communicate.

3. You Let Little Rituals Slide

Little rituals are sort of like a glue that hold your relationship together. My husband and I always kiss good morning, goodnight, hello and goodbye even after 11 years of marriage. It’s the little rituals that help you stay connected. Without them, it’s easy to neglect your relationship, even unintentionally. Whatever rituals make your relationship special, keep them up!

4. Not Saying You’re Sorry

If one of you can’t accept responsibility when you’re in the wrong then you’ve got a toxic relationship pattern brewing. It’s important to realize that we’re all human. We’re all going to make mistakes. The trick is being about to recognize when you’re wrong and apologize. If you’re in a long term relationship, this’s something you’re both going to need to do numerous times in order to be happy together.

5. Ignoring Red Flags

If you see red flags in your relationship then the potential for a toxic relationship is very high. In fact, you need to seriously consider getting out. Red flags are things you notice in your partner like a drinking problem, a violent temper or financial problems due to gambling. You may feel sorry that your partner is struggling with one of those issues but you have to consider yourself and your own safety.

6. Putting Each Other down

Getting angry 😣or frustrated in a relationship is to be expected from time to time. As mentioned before, you’re both human so your relationship can’t go perfectly all the time. But it’s important to always hold yourself to a standard of treating each other fairly regardless of your feelings. This means you don’t put each other down. Attack the issue, not each other.

7. Making Your Partner Your Whole Life

This’s a very important lesson to learn. Your partner cannot be your whole life. You’re two separate individuals and you always will be. You can have a fabulous relationship together but only if there’s room for you to each have your own sense of individuality. This tip can make your relationship more beautiful than you can imagine.

These’re some tips to help you avoid toxic relationship patterns. Which ones are issues in your relationship? You’re always welcome to share!