18 Habits That Can Ruin Your Relationship

Bad habits earn their name for a reason they tend to create issues not just for ourselves, but also for those around us. While seemingly harmless behaviors like nail-biting or chewing with your mouth open might just be annoying, other habits can deeply damage your relationships.

Habits, by nature, are repeated behaviors. A one-time mistake might be easy to overlook, but repeating the same disruptive action no matter how minor can slowly erode the foundation of a relationship. Sadly, most people don’t realize the impact of their behavior until the damage is already done.

So, which bad habits are most harmful to relationships? Here are 18 of the worst offenders:

# Treating Your Partner Like a Project

Trying to mold your partner into someone you want them to be instead of accepting them as they are is not only selfish but also toxic. Imagine how you'd feel if someone constantly tried to change you.

# Making Your Fights Public

Arguing in public embarrasses both of you and invites unwanted attention. It doesn't resolve the issue and may even push your partner away due to the immaturity it reflects.

# Criticizing Their Friends and Family

Even if their loved ones annoy you, constantly criticizing them feels like a personal attack on your partner. These relationships likely predate yours, so learning to accept—or at least tolerate—them is crucial.

# Excessive Public Displays of Affection (PDA)

Over-the-top PDA can make others uncomfortable and your partner self-conscious. Affection doesn’t need to be a public performance.

# Prolonging Arguments

Dragging out disputes long after they've been resolved only wastes time and stirs resentment. Know when to move on.

# Holding Grudges

Everyone makes mistakes. Refusing to forgive or continually bringing up past issues will only drain your partner and strain your connection.

# Avoiding Difficult Conversations

Dodging important talks creates distance and misunderstanding. Silence can lead your partner to believe you don’t care, leading to bigger problems down the line.

# Keeping Score

A relationship isn’t a competition. Keeping tally of who messed up more shows you're stuck in the past instead of working toward growth together.

# Comparing Them to Your Ex

Constant comparisons to a former partner are a surefire way to make your current one feel inadequate—and it signals you may not be over your past.

# Poor Timing for Serious Talks

Bringing up stressful topics right after work or during a chaotic moment only heightens tension. Choose the right time for heavy discussions.

# Invading Their Privacy

Everyone deserves personal space. Snooping or stalking your partner due to distrust damages their sense of security in the relationship.

# Overreacting to Small Things

Losing your cool over minor annoyances makes it hard for your partner to gauge what truly matters. Eventually, they may stop trying to meet your needs at all.

# Letting Jealousy Take Control

Uncontrolled jealousy can drive your partner to become secretive just to avoid confrontation. Trust is essential—without it, the relationship suffers.

# Letting Yourself Go

While comfort is important, completely ignoring your appearance and hygiene can make your partner feel like you no longer care about impressing them.

# Being Clingy

Wanting to be together constantly might seem sweet, but it can become suffocating. A little space allows both partners to maintain their individuality and miss each other.

# Constant White Lies

Occasional harmless fibs are okay, but routinely lying to avoid conflict chips away at trust. Once broken, it’s hard to rebuild.

# Expecting Them to Read Your Mind

Failing to express your needs but then getting upset when they’re unmet leads to miscommunication and resentment. Be open and honest.

# Taking Them for Granted

Appreciation is fundamental. If you never show gratitude or acknowledge your partner’s efforts, they may stop trying altogether.