Do you want your relationship to bloom? If so, it is important you do not become complacent and start developing bad habits that could ultimately push your partner away. Brookman Solicitors’ recent relationship survey of over 1000 married individuals* may be of help in this respect as it has revealed the top seven most annoying habits in relationships. Read on to find out how it is the little factors and behaviours that build up and annoy your partner for instance, talking too much or being glued to your phone.
- Failing to pull your weight around the house
Failing to pull your weight around the house came out as the top most annoying habit in relationships and with 76% of those surveyed being married for over two decades this is often a bad habit which surfaces slowly over time. So if you are in a new relationship it is best to be aware of this bad habit now in order to avoid falling into this behaviour pattern, for example expecting your partner to clean up after yourself, as this will frustrate your partner considerably. Little steps such as unloading the dishwasher and hanging the washing out will help prevent you from irritating your partner with this top most annoying habit.
- Being a chatterbox
Talking too much and essentially being a “chatterbox” came out second in the relationship survey for the most annoying habit that a partner can display. If you think this applies to you it might be the perfect time to prioritise listening to your partner and hold back from dominating the conversation. Additionally, if you feel your partner is talking too much and this is annoying you it is best to be honest and let them know how you are feeling so they can take steps to address this, they may not even realise they are talking too much.
- Not communicating
You need to communicate with each other if you would like your relationship to last the distance. Making small talk or asking your partner how their day went will help stop you distancing from each other, listen to your partner’s responses and as mentioned in the previous point try to stop yourself from dominating the conversation. As soon as you stop communicating your relationship will embark on a downward slope.
- Poor Hygiene
Bad body odor or your partner forgetting to brush their teeth are just two examples of what can constitute bad personal hygiene which can certainly annoy your partner. In a relationship in order to keep the spark alive you do need to make the effort and avoid neglecting your personal hygiene.
- Inability to manage money
Money can be a taboo subject in relationships and as a result many of us do not effectively communicate our financial position with our partner which can lead to relationship issues. If one partner lacks the ability to manage their money effectively this can take its toll on their partner. Having a meeting with your partner so you can discuss your finances might do the trick to rectify this bad habit, you will be able to help and advise your partner who may be struggling with managing their finances. On the other hand, If you feel you are the one who is failing to manage your money it is important to not be embarrassed and be open with your partner who will be able to help you.
- Self-absorbed
Having a partner who is self absorbed can get very exasperating, especially if they are taking a selfish stance to your relationship such as struggling to compromise and failing to take an interest in their partner. This can often lead to your loved one feeling neglected or unloved, as they perceive this behaviour to signal that they are not important. Unfortunately, this may cause resentment and may start the end of a relationship if a partner feel they are not getting back what they are giving to their self absorbed partner.
- Being glued to your phone
In today’s digital world we all are guilty of being glued to our phone, this can take a negative impact on a relationship, especially if one partner is more prone to being on their phone in to comparison to their partner. Look up from your phone and turn your phone off when spending quality time with your partner, this will prevent you from developing this bad habit and coming across as disinterested in your partner.
- ENDS –
*The online survey was conducted with 1006 married individuals, based in the US, during April 2018. The couples were asked 10 questions relating to their marriage, relationship challenges, solutions, advice to newlyweds and the role that media, technology and social media plays in relationship breakdown.
Brookman is a highly regarded specialist divorce and family law firm that advises clients in the UK and internationally. Brookman is ranked by the Legal 500 and has been awarded the Law Society’s quality mark, Lexcel. For more information visit www.brookman.co.uk.
