Research shows that healthy relationships can help you live longer, manage stress, feel richer and be healthier. Relationships are often one of our greatest sources of joy yet one of life’s greatest challenges. To meet the challenges, it is important for each of us to look at our past relationships and make sure we don’t repeat bad relationship patterns. Bad relationship habits are hard to break but if you want to ensure a healthy relationship then you need to make a daily effort to develop new positive and healthy habits and avoid repeating cycles. Here are some tips on how you can break these bad relationship habits:
Be aware and identify your toxic relationship habits- You first need to figure out what your bad relationship habits are that have played a part in past breakups or conflict with other people. You can’t change something you don’t acknowledge. Take ownership of these habits, forgive yourself, and learn to replace these habits with healthy ones. Focus on being positive even during the tough times, this will help you develop healthy habits.
Let go of jealousy– Jealousy can be a huge relationship killer. If you are bringing low self-esteem, narcissistic behavior, codependency or feelings of inadequacy into your relationship then you are putting it in danger. You need to put your focus on working on yourself first in order for you to become a confident partner. Being jealous stems from your own insecurities. It has nothing to do with the love that you have for your partner. However, if you want to love your partner unconditionally then you need to love yourself first. Let go of the fears, anxieties and doubts. If you’ve had reasons not to trust your partner in the past then you need to both work on building trust back into your relationships.
Focus on open communication– Open and honest communication is key to a healthy relationship. It is important to open up to your partner so you’re not creating unnecessary confusion in your relationships. Pick the appropriate times to have serious conversations. Think before you emotionally react. Pick and choose your battles. Always be honest. Learn how to be a good listener. All of these things will help you maintain a balanced relationship.
Open a Relationship Repair Counter- Most people have the bad habit of getting defensive when our partner brings up a relationship complaint. Try to start seeing relationship complaints as a positive opportunity to build loyalty into your relationship and to fix your bad habits! Pretend you are going to provide good customer service for your relationship, and open up the counter. Show value to your partner, listen to their concern, then ask how you can resolve it.
For more information about how to break bad habits in your relationship, please contact me to book a Therapy Appointment.
