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.”
