Sometimes people don’t realize that even small things can sabotage a relationship. Are you guilty of any of these behaviors?

1.Making your cell phone the top priority

We live in a time where constantly checking our cell phones is our hobby. But, this obsession comes at a cost, because you can end up sabotaging your own relationship if you prioritize your cell phone over your partner.

“The most prevalent habit that sinks relationships is keeping your cell phone on, and looking at it every time it makes a noise while you’re with your partner,” says Carole Lieberman M.D., a psychiatrist in Beverly Hills, California. “Answering your phone is even worse than just looking at text messages or emails, and this tells your partner that they are not as important as whoever else is trying to reach you.”

Dr. Lieberman suggests turning off your phone when you’re having dinner, being intimate, or doing anything else where your partner expects your full attention.

2.Being jealous

Jealousy within relationships typically comes down to fear of abandonment and not feeling good enough, says Michele Kerulis, EdD, professor of counseling at Counseling@Northwestern, Northwestern University’s online masters in counseling program. “Jealousy can stem from insecurity, lack of trust, fear of betrayal, low confidence, and can linger from past relationships and life experiences,” Dr. Kerulis says.

To smooth over a situation and avoid a huge jealousy fight, she suggests talking to your partner about your feelings and concerns. “Take the time to have a conversation with your partner about specific situations that made you feel jealous and explain why you believe you felt that way, ” suggests Dr. Kerulis. “If you see patterns of feeling jealous throughout your life, whether it is within romantic relationships, friendships, or with family members, it is a good idea to talk with a counselor to process your feelings and to get a better understanding of why jealousy plays a role in your life.”

3.Nagging and complaining

A nagging partner can often create tension that will lead to separation very quickly. “I suggest practicing the art of holding your tongue, prioritizing, and considering your approach,” says Melanie Ross Mills, PhD., a relationship expert in Dallas. She advises everyone who finds in this situation to wait until a good time to discuss with your partner what is bothering you, instead of always nagging and complaining. “Be patient if he or she is not ready when you are to discuss the matter. Ask them to let you know when a good time might be. You can circle back then, instead of nagging and complaining,” Dr. Mills says.

4.Acting ungrateful

Sometimes It can be challenging to value the small things in your partner. “But, it’s a life discipline to cultivate,” says Dr. Mills. “Seeing the good he or she does will help. I suggest making a conscious effort to thank your partner for the small things: from putting the cap back on to earning an honest living with hard work, from taking out the trash to helping prepare dinner for the family,” she adds.

5.Lacking communication

The lack of communication or not having an open dialogue when it is needed can cause feelings of resentment, misunderstanding, hurt, and feeling unappreciated. “Instead of letting the small offenses fester, talk about them when the timing is right,” says Dr. Mills. “Don’t let too much time pass which can cause you to internalize your true feelings. Share with your partner about what is going on with you daily.”

6.Losing yourself in the relationship

It’s very common for people to lose their own sense of self if they don’t make an effort to continue to grow, learn, and evolve, says Dr. Mills. “Don’t forget to have your own life. Make time to do things that fulfill you instead of waiting for your partner to get interested in your same interests,” she advises. “Believe it or not, this actually makes you more attractive. You contribute to the relationship dynamic because you have interests, you’re interesting and you’re confident.”

7.Fighting with your partner over text message

It’s never fun to fight with your partner, especially when you are not together in the same room, town, or city. “Couples who are in long-distance relationships or couples who just are not in the same vicinity of their partner all the time will most likely engage in text-fighting,” says Gabriella I. Farkas MD, PhD, a psychiatrist at Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine at The Zucker Hillside Hospital in Glen Oaks, New York.

“Text-fighting is one of the bad habits that people do that can eventually lead to a downward spiral in a relationship.” She believes that fighting with your partner via text is not such a great way to communicate your feelings for many reasons, including that you can’t be sure how your partner is going to react. “So, you will keep texting incessantly even if something that has been said hurts the partner’s feelings,” Dr. Farkas says. “Instead of fighting via text where there is no way to emphasize or relay emotion correctly, it’s important to sit back and wait until there is the opportunity to have the conversation face-to-face.”

8.Overstepping social boundaries

Speaking on behalf of your partner can only harm your relationship. This behavior can make you seem nosy because making decisions for someone else is never ok. It can be humiliating, disrespectful and obstruct a person’s sense of self, says an article in Psychology Today.

“Without noticing it, we may be intrusive or controlling toward our partner, acting in a manner that is disrespectful or demeaning to the other person’s sense of self. When this happens, it not only hurts our partner and his or her feelings for us but it undermines our strength and feelings for our partner,” the article says.