Four common mistakes that can ruin a relationship

Relationship mistakes can ruin even the best of relationships. Here are a list of four common mistakes, and what to do instead:


1. Partner Bashing
Bashing the one you love in public seems to have become a national pastime. The reality of this is that it reflects poorly on you, because after all, you chose this person.

Relationship Tip:

Rebel against the culture and instead praise your spouse in public. Always go the opposite direction if someone tries to pull you in.

2. Holding your partner back from their greatest gifts
Its hard to believe, I know, but many people fall into the trap of holding there partner back from using their greatest gifts.

Relationship Tip:
Celebrate and encourage the strengths of your partner. If you take the time to notice, the strengths of your partner usually you have two very strong advantages: They complete your strengths, and they compensate for some of your weaknesses.

3. Arguing to win
Arguing to win means you see the other person as an opponent. And once you begin to see your partner as an opponent or an enemy, lots of bad things begin to happen.

Relationship Tip:
When you argue to win, you may get to win, but you win at the expense of the relationship. Instead of arguing against each other, team up to solve the problems that come your way.

4. Getting Complacent
Taking the relationship and the other person for granted is so easy to do. Sometimes we treat our most important relationship like an item on a to do list.

Relationship Tip:
Always keep the passion alive. Put some extra care and time for your loved one. Little things add up to mean so much. Making the other feel special and a priority. Be creative with your time. Just taking the time to really listen to your spouse about there day can mean so much.


(Article by Jeff Herring)
Knight Ridder Newspapers