It takes two to tango, as the old saying goes. But sometimes, one person seems to drag the relationship through the dirt singlehandedly. Of course, any gender might exhibit harmful relationship behaviors. In this article, we’ll focus on behavior patterns that may show up from a woman’s side of the relationship.
1. Nagging
2. Being overly critical
3. Being insecure
4. Being clingy
These behaviors are pitfalls that may lead women to unknowingly ruin relationships. If you think you might be guilty of them, don’t worry! We’ll help you identify perilous behavior and start making changes that will recover your relationship.
The Different Ways Women Can Screw Things Up
1. Nagging
Let’s not confuse this with mindfully bringing up a topic to your partner if something’s bothering you or you feel like your boundaries have been crossed. Nagging is constant harassment. It’s a nonstop stream of complaints about your partner’s behavior. It might be tempting, especially if you’ve just moved in together and your partner’s worst habits come to light.
Hold your tongue, though! Picking apart someone’s behavior could be shaming or embarrassing. If the things you’re nagging about are truly small, inconsequential things, leave them be.
2. Being Overly Critical
Do you ever feel the need to be perfect? To look completely flawless when you stand in front of your looking mirror? Well, many women feel that way, and it’s an unfortunate effect of unfair societal demands. As women, we may project this need for perfection on our partners, spotting and bringing up everything that’s wrong.
This behavior not only harms us because it solidifies our overly-critical mindset, but it also hurts our loved ones. Instead of criticizing your partner’s flaws, focus on their good qualities. Have constructive conversations if you need to work together on an issue, but stay away from putting your partner down for things they can’t control.
3. Being Insecure
Your insecurities about yourself or your relationship could become detrimental to your future. Insecurities are tough to hide, and they often sneak up in behaviors like questioning yourself and your partner, comparing yourself and your relationship to others, or acting out of jealousy.
Resolving feelings of insecurity starts within, so consider reflecting on what the root cause of those feelings is and moving forward from there.
4. Being Clingy
Successful relationships require a deep understanding of expectations (on both ends). When either partner is too needy, the other one will start to buckle under pressure. It’s not a sustainable way to carry out a relationship.
Clinginess and asking for over-the-top requests or making compulsory demands are harmful to any relationship, including a romantic one. Take the time to discuss boundaries with your partner to determine how each of you will bring love, care, and attention to the table.
That way, neither partner will feel drained by the requests and neediness of the other.
It’s all well and good to browse advice about how to avoid damaging relationships but remember, your relationship is unique. You may require changes that differ from the next relationship. Repairing a damaged relationship takes time, effort, and lots of clear communication with your partner. But it’s worth it!
How to Fix a Relationship That’s Been Ruined By a Woman
Down and out about a relationship that went south after being ruined by a woman? It’s certainly not pleasant, but you’re not alone. Now’s a good time to surround yourself with trusted friends or family to support you during this tough time. Meanwhile, check out some of our tips on fixing the relationship:
Talk to her: Have you had an open discussion about what went down? If you’re still on speaking terms, consider getting her side of the story. If nothing else, it could give you a bit of closure.
Take care of yourself: If a woman just ruined your relationship, you might want to take a breather. Step back and relax. Go enjoy your favorite hobbies and unwind with friends. Taking care of yourself is a crucial step in your healing process.
Focus on the future: Don’t fall into the pit of rehashing every sour conversation that went down in the final days of your relationship. Focus on what you can do in the present and what your plans are in the future. Keep your head up!
Seek counseling: Talking to someone who’s fully invested in you, willing to hear you out, and equipped to provide helpful, customized advice grounded in psychological know-how is a great step after the end of a relationship.
Talk to your friends and family: Talk it out. Vent if you need to, and lean on your loved ones during this tough time.
Be patient: Healing doesn’t happen overnight, and neither does repairing a relationship. Practice being patient and kind to yourself.
What Men Need From Their Partners to Have a Successful Relationship
Both parties in a relationship have responsibilities and desires. Of course, it’s best to lay them all out on the table from the get-go. Clear communication on both ends is a must, no doubt! Authenticity is another key quality required for a successful relationship. Just be yourself. Your true colors will come out eventually, anyway.
Support and compromise are two more qualities that go a long way to building a healthy relationship. Support your partner, and watch how they flourish! And remember, both parties will have to make sacrifices at some point. There’s a give-and-take involved, and if it’s out of balance, it could spell trouble.
Why It’s Important for Women to Understand How They Affect Relationships
Women have the potential to hold lots of power in relationships. But all relationships require a harmonious balance with input from both sides. If you’re a woman who’s just walked away from a relationship, now’s a good time to reflect. As a woman, just what do you want in a relationship?
When you learn the power you wield, you can understand how it affects your relationships.
1. Were you too needy or clingy?
Have you perfected your crocodile tears and puppy-dog eyes when you ask for something outside your partner’s comfort zone? Realize that your partner may feel pressured to say “yes” to your requests. Clinginess may backfire if neither of you has time to breathe. Practice setting and following boundaries (for both parties).
2. Were you self-centered?
Women can ruin relationships thanks to self-centered behavior. It’s worth pointing out that if you’re self-centered, it’ll likely harm other aspects of your life, not just your romantic endeavors. Reflect on what you did for the person you loved. Do you feel like you constantly turned the spotlight on yourself?
Were you only interested in your own needs? If so, practice noticing the needs of those around you.
3. Were you controlling?
Do you feel the need to control every move your partner makes? If so, it could slowly tear down your relationship. Try to recognize that your partner is an independent person, a whole person, just like you. They have their own set of values and desires. There’s no use trying to control someone’s decisions, big or small.
Ways to Become a More Positive Force in Your Significant Other’s Life
At the end of the day, it feels good to know we made a positive impact on other people’s lives. And, well, why not start with your relationship? Use the tips below to be a light in your partner’s life. Fall into positive habits instead of engaging in the toxic behaviors that have been dragging down your relationship.
Here are some ways to positively influence your partner:
1. Be Supportive
Be a cheerleader for your boo. Support them in their endeavors. Celebrate their accomplishments. Along the way, you’ll find yourself more connected to your partner and more engaged in their life.
2. Be Encouraging
Encouragement can be big or small. It could be helping your partner get out of bed on a particularly dismal day or giving them an uplifting message when they’ve just heard life-changing news. Let your partner know you believe in them!
3. Be Positive
When you practice positivity in your own life, it often shines through to those around you. If you look inward and focus on the positive things, that behavior will rub off on your partner. Staying focused on the good things will lead to happier relationships – including the one you have with yourself!
4. Be Loving
Hopefully, you stayed in your relationship because of the connection you share with your partner. Your love may be new and fresh or mature and deep, but no matter what, show your love. Act out of love. Treat your partner with love. Simply being a loving influence in your partner’s life could change their life forever. Keep that in mind going forward.
