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Getting comfortable in a relationship feels great, but there’s a fine line between “content” and “complacent.” Certain habits—especially the ones you repeat without realizing—can slowly chip away at your connection. And yes, some of these could make your partner consider walking away.

Bad habits earn their name for a reason. Sure, little quirks like nail biting or talking with your mouth full are mildly annoying, but others can genuinely damage your bond.

Relationships are built on repeated actions, not one-off moments. One mistake might be forgivable. But when unhelpful patterns play on repeat, the cracks in your connection can deepen until they’re too big to ignore.

18 Relationship-Harming Habits to Avoid

1. Treating Your Partner Like a DIY Project

Trying to “fix” or mold your partner into your idea of perfection? That’s not love—it’s control. No one likes to feel like a work in progress in their own relationship.

2. Airing Your Dirty Laundry in Public

Turning private disagreements into public spectacles just humiliates you both—and doesn’t solve a thing.

3. Bashing Their Friends or Family

Insulting your partner’s close circle can feel like you’re insulting them. Learn to manage differences without constant criticism.

4. Overdoing the PDA

Holding hands? Cute. Making out like teens at a bus stop? Awkward—for everyone, and potentially embarrassing for your partner.

5. Dragging Out Every Argument

If all the points have been covered, there’s no need for round two, three, or ten. Rehashing solved issues keeps you stuck.
[Read: How to fight fair in a relationship]

6. Holding Onto Every Grudge

Once it’s discussed and forgiven, let it go—or decide you can’t and move on. Clutching past mistakes exhausts both of you.

7. Avoiding Big Conversations

Dodging important talks leaves room for resentment and misinterpretation.

8. Keeping Score of Wrongdoings

A relationship isn’t a scoreboard. Constant tallies of who was “right” create a competitive, not loving, atmosphere.

9. Comparing Them to Your Ex

Your partner isn’t your ex—and probably doesn’t want to battle a ghost from your past.

10. Bringing Up Big Topics at the Worst Times

Heavy talks after an awful day at work? That’s a shortcut to a fight, not a resolution.

11. Prying Into Their Privacy

Trust is key. Sneaking into phones or messages is an invasion that says you don’t believe in it.

12. Making Mountains Out of Molehills

Reacting dramatically to every small annoyance will quickly wear them down.

13. Letting Jealousy Cloud Your Judgment

When suspicion overrides reason, you risk pushing your partner into emotional hiding.

14. Letting Yourself Go Completely

Comfort is fine, but hygiene and occasional effort in appearance still matter.

15. Being Glued Together 24/7

Space is healthy. Constant togetherness can feel suffocating and kill individuality.

16. White Lies as a Default Setting

Small fibs may feel harmless, but regular dishonesty erodes trust over time.

17. Not Speaking Up About Your Needs

If you expect your partner to read your mind, you’re setting both of you up for disappointment.

18. Forgetting to Show Appreciation

A simple “thank you” or acknowledgment goes a long way. Never letting your partner feel valued can make them stop trying.

Final Word

Bad habits can be more than just irritating—they can sink an otherwise solid relationship. The earlier you spot and address them, the better your chances of keeping your connection strong and your love lasting.