sabotaging your relationship

33 Unexpected Ways You Might Be Sabotaging Your Relationship

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As delightful and fulfilling as relationships can be, they are often fraught with unseen hurdles and unheeded warning signs. This comprehensive post is dedicated to enlightening you about the myriad ways in which we, often unknowingly, sabotage our relationships.

Our journey through these potential pitfalls is not one of reproof, but rather, one of enlightenment and discovery. With each point, we will delve into the crux of the issue, present relatable scenarios, and provide you with effective solutions to navigate around these relationship landmines. By the end, you should have a broader understanding of the unassuming ways we may harm our relationships and, importantly, how we can mend and avoid them.

So, buckle up for an introspective ride. You might just find that some of these ways hit a bit closer to home than expected. But fret not, for acknowledgment is the first step towards improvement. Let’s set off on this voyage of relational self-awareness together.

Table Of Contents
  1. 33 Unexpected Ways You Might Be Sabotaging Your Relationship & What to Do About It
  2. Final Thoughts

33 Unexpected Ways You Might Be Sabotaging Your Relationship & What to Do About It

1. Lack of Communication: The Silent Killer of Relationships

Communication, as mundane as it may sound, is the lifeblood of any relationship. Yet, it’s often neglected, leading to misunderstandings, resentment, and a feeling of disconnect.

Manifestation: It may start as something as simple as not discussing how your day went. Gradually, it extends to not expressing discontentment, or even not sharing joyous news. This lack of communication gradually erects a wall, isolating partners from one another.

Real-life Scenario: Consider Michael, a dedicated professional who frequently feels overwhelmed at work. However, he chooses to internalize his stress, not wanting to “burden” his partner with his problems. As a result, his partner feels a growing distance and worries that Michael is losing interest in the relationship. This situation creates a breeding ground for insecurities and arguments, none of which would exist with open communication.

The Fix: Communication isn’t just about speaking; it’s about sharing. It’s essential to share your day, your worries, your victories, and defeats with your partner. Create a safe space for open and honest communication. This might involve setting aside a time each day for undisturbed conversation or practicing active listening when your partner is sharing. Make sure to communicate in a non-confrontational manner, using “I” statements to express your feelings without blaming your partner. 

In a relationship, your problems are not just your own; they belong to both of you. By sharing, you allow your partner to empathize with your situation, strengthen your bond, and work as a team to find solutions.

Expert Tip: Enhance your communication skills with techniques such as empathetic listening, and emotional intelligence. These skills can be improved through reading, online courses, or even couples therapy. 

2. Not Respecting Boundaries: The Unseen Trespasser

In the context of a relationship, boundaries refer to the invisible lines that separate us, providing us with a sense of individuality and personal space. A healthy relationship respects these boundaries, thereby respecting individuality and personal comfort.

Manifestation: The violation of boundaries often begins subtly. It could start as a harmless check of your partner’s phone or a demand for attention when your partner is busy. Gradually, it escalates into a disregard for personal space, privacy, or emotional boundaries.

Real-life Scenario: Emma is an independent individual who values her personal space and privacy. However, her partner continually checks her emails, despite her expressing discomfort towards his actions. This intrusion leaves Emma feeling disrespected and creates tension in their relationship.

The Fix: Boundaries are an integral part of maintaining respect in a relationship. It’s crucial to understand and respect your partner’s personal space, privacy, and emotional boundaries. Having an open and honest conversation about what each partner is comfortable with can help set these boundaries. It’s also essential to communicate clearly if you feel your boundaries are being violated.

Expert Tip: Sometimes, people are unaware of their boundary-violating behavior because they don’t understand or realize the importance of boundaries. In such cases, couples therapy or counseling can help both partners understand the importance of boundaries and how to respect them.

self sabotage relationship

3. Insecurity and Jealousy: The Green-Eyed Monster in Disguise

Insecurity and jealousy are common human emotions. However, when they become persistent, they can morph into destructive forces that wreak havoc in relationships, leading to constant conflict, suspicion, and tension.

Manifestation: Persistent insecurity can lead to feelings of unworthiness and fear of rejection, while jealousy can cause constant suspicion and mistrust. These emotions often manifest as overbearing possessiveness, incessant questioning, or even unfounded accusations.

Real-life Scenario: Take John, who, plagued by insecurity, constantly fears that his partner will leave him for someone “better.” This fear turns into jealousy every time his partner interacts with others, causing him to question and accuse her incessantly. This behavior creates an uncomfortable environment of mistrust and tension, gradually pushing his partner away.

The Fix: The first step in handling insecurity and jealousy is acknowledgment. It’s essential to recognize these feelings and understand their roots – perhaps they stem from past relationship trauma, low self-esteem, or other personal issues. Once acknowledged, these feelings can be managed through open communication, reassurance, and possibly professional help.

Expert Tip: Therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can be beneficial in managing feelings of insecurity and jealousy. CBT can help you identify negative thought patterns and challenge them effectively, enabling you to build healthier, more trusting relationships.

4. Being Overly Critical: The Destructive Critic Within

Criticism is a tricky area. While constructive criticism is crucial for personal growth and improvement, being overly critical can turn a relationship sour. A continuous barrage of criticism can lead to resentment, self-doubt, and can often feel like a direct attack on one’s self-worth.

Manifestation: Overly critical behavior often shows up as constant nitpicking, non-constructive criticism, belittling comments, or unappreciated advice. This behavior often undermines the confidence of the partner on the receiving end and creates a hostile environment.

Real-life Scenario: Sarah always criticizes her partner’s cooking, even when he’s made a lot of effort. Instead of appreciating his efforts or suggesting improvements, she points out every minor flaw, leaving him feeling unappreciated and dejected.

The Fix: The key to handling criticism lies in the delivery. Rather than focusing on what’s wrong, shift the focus to what can be improved. Encouraging efforts and offering constructive feedback can foster growth and positivity. Also, recognizing when criticism stems from personal frustrations or insecurities can help mitigate overly critical behavior.

Expert Tip: The “sandwich method” can be a helpful tool for offering criticism: start with a positive comment, follow it with your constructive criticism, and end on another positive note. This method helps ensure that criticism is received in a more positive light.

5. Failure to Compromise: The Stubborn Stalemate

A relationship is a partnership, a delicate dance of balance. Compromise is key to maintaining this balance. However, when one or both parties refuse to compromise, it disrupts this balance, leading to resentment, conflicts, and eventual relationship breakdown.

Manifestation: Stubbornness, obstinance, or unyielding attitudes are common manifestations of a failure to compromise. This may come across as ignoring your partner’s needs or insisting on always having things your way.

Real-life Scenario: Consider Jake and Rachel, who are deciding on their next vacation destination. Jake insists on going to the beach as they did last year, despite Rachel’s desire to explore the mountains. Jake’s unwillingness to compromise leaves Rachel feeling unheard and undervalued.

The Fix: The foundation of compromise is empathy and understanding. By empathizing with your partner’s perspective and understanding their needs, it becomes easier to find common ground. Remember, compromise does not mean giving up; instead, it’s about finding a solution that respects and satisfies both parties.

Expert Tip: Effective communication is crucial for successful compromise. Utilize techniques like active listening and “I” statements to clearly express your feelings and needs. It’s also helpful to focus on problem-solving rather than winning an argument. 

6. Overlooking Red Flags: Ignoring the Warning Bells

Red flags are warning signs or indicators that something is off in a relationship. Overlooking these signs can often lead to deeper issues, creating an unhealthy dynamic that can result in significant harm to one or both parties involved.

Manifestation: Red flags can take many forms – manipulative behavior, disrespectful attitudes, inconsistency, or even a lack of empathy. Ignoring these signs, especially in the early stages of a relationship, often leads to more serious problems down the line.

Real-life Scenario: Lily starts noticing that her partner Mark is always on his phone, even during their intimate moments, and he avoids answering questions about who he’s chatting with. Despite the discomfort this behavior brings, she dismisses her suspicions, convincing herself that she’s overthinking. However, this dismissal may lead to a deeper breach of trust later on.

The Fix: Awareness is key when it comes to red flags in a relationship. By acknowledging these signs and addressing them openly, it becomes possible to navigate through potential issues. It’s essential to trust your instincts and have open, honest conversations about your concerns.

Expert Tip: It’s important to remember that everyone has flaws, and it’s not about finding a “perfect” partner. However, recognizing destructive patterns and dealing with them constructively can prevent these red flags from sabotaging your relationship.

ruining relationship

7. Inability to Apologize: The Stubborn Standoff Sabotaging Your Relationship

Being able to apologize when we’re wrong is a sign of maturity and empathy. When someone is unable to apologize, it can sabotage a relationship by creating resentment, preventing resolution of conflicts, and damaging trust.

Manifestation: This form of sabotage is often demonstrated through defensiveness, shifting blame, or even counter-accusing when one’s mistakes are pointed out. This refusal to accept responsibility can leave their partner feeling invalidated and unheard.

Real-life Scenario: Tom forgets his anniversary with Anna. When Anna expresses her hurt, Tom responds defensively, stating that “she knows he’s forgetful” instead of apologizing. This reaction not only deepens Anna’s hurt but also sabotages their ability to effectively communicate and resolve the issue.

The Fix: Accepting responsibility and offering a sincere apology when you’re wrong is the antidote. This doesn’t just mean saying “I’m sorry”, but understanding how your actions affected your partner, expressing remorse, and outlining how you’ll avoid the same mistake in the future.

Expert Tip: An effective apology has three parts: acknowledgment of the mistake, understanding and validating the other person’s feelings, and expressing a commitment to change. This approach can help in preventing this subtle, yet destructive form of relationship sabotage.

8. Lack of Trust: The Silent Saboteur of Your Relationship

Trust is a pillar of any healthy relationship. A lack of trust can silently sabotage a relationship, eroding its foundation and paving the way for a host of other problems, from jealousy to paranoia, and from constant checking to controlling behavior.

Manifestation: Doubting your partner’s actions or motives, snooping through their personal items or digital devices, or frequently questioning their whereabouts are some manifestations of a lack of trust. 

Real-life Scenario: Kelly constantly finds herself checking Mike’s phone when he’s not around, driven by a nagging doubt about his loyalty. This lack of trust, although not always overt, is a form of relationship sabotage that can lead to profound damage over time.

The Fix: Building trust requires open and honest communication, consistency, and time. It’s essential to communicate your insecurities to your partner, understand the root of your trust issues, and work towards resolving them together. 

Expert Tip: Remember, trust is reciprocal. Be sure you’re not only asking for trust from your partner but also demonstrating behaviors that make you trustworthy. Rebuilding trust can be a long process, but it’s key to preventing this subtle form of sabotage from undermining your relationship.

9. Taking the Other for Granted: The Stealthy Sabotage in Your Relationship

Every relationship requires effort to maintain its spark. When one partner starts taking the other for granted, it can subtly sabotage the relationship, leading to feelings of resentment and unappreciation.

Manifestation: This form of sabotage often shows itself through a lack of appreciation for the other person’s efforts, assuming they’ll always be there no matter how they’re treated, or neglecting their needs and emotions.

Real-life Scenario: John always expects Sarah to prepare dinner when he comes home from work, yet he rarely acknowledges her effort or returns the favor. This sense of entitlement and lack of reciprocation can lead to feelings of being undervalued, sabotaging the relationship over time.

The Fix: Showing appreciation, reciprocating efforts, and regular acts of kindness are excellent ways to prevent taking your partner for granted. Verbalizing your gratitude and ensuring your partner knows their worth to you can also foster healthier interactions.

Expert Tip: Try not to let the hustle of life distract you from appreciating your partner. Small acts of acknowledgment and appreciation can go a long way in preventing this form of sabotage and maintaining a healthy, loving relationship.

10. Neglecting Personal Growth: The Personal Saboteur in Your Relationship

While relationships involve two people, it’s essential to remember that those two people are individuals with personal needs, ambitions, and growth trajectories. Neglecting personal growth can sabotage a relationship by creating feelings of stagnation, dissatisfaction, or resentment.

Manifestation: This form of sabotage can be seen when someone stops pursuing their interests, gives up on their goals, or becomes overly dependent on their partner for fulfillment. 

Real-life Scenario: Lisa used to be passionate about painting, but since she started dating Mark, she hasn’t touched a brush. She’s been revolving her world around Mark and his interests, neglecting her personal growth. Over time, Lisa starts to feel unfulfilled, which creates tension in their relationship.

The Fix: Maintain a balance between individual and shared activities. It’s crucial to pursue personal interests, set individual goals, and seek self-improvement. This not only contributes to personal satisfaction but also adds vitality to the relationship.

Expert Tip: Remember, a healthy relationship comprises two individuals growing together without neglecting their personal growth. Encouraging each other’s personal development can help prevent this sneaky form of relationship sabotage.

destroying own relationship

11. Not Spending Quality Time: The Time-Eating Saboteur of Your Relationship

Quality time is the lifeblood of a relationship, fostering connection, intimacy, and shared memories. The absence of such moments can subtly sabotage a relationship by creating a void that may lead to feelings of disconnection or indifference.

Manifestation: This form of sabotage can show itself through spending too much time apart, being physically present but mentally absent, or filling time together with distractions rather than meaningful interactions.

Real-life Scenario: Despite living together, Jane and Alex rarely engage in shared activities. Their time at home is often spent on separate screens, effectively starving their relationship of the bonding that comes from shared experiences.

The Fix: Plan regular ‘us’ time. Whether it’s a date night, a shared hobby, or a simple walk in the park, ensure you’re dedicating time to nurture your relationship. Furthermore, when you’re spending time together, be present. 

Expert Tip: The quality of the time spent together matters more than the quantity. Even small, everyday moments can become bonding experiences when given the right attention. Don’t let this time-eating saboteur rob you of relationship-building moments.

12. Making Assumptions: The Mind-Reading Saboteur in Your Relationship

Assumptions can be the termites of relationships, quietly and persistently undermining the foundation until the structure is unsound. Making assumptions in a relationship, especially without clear communication, can easily sabotage the bond you share.

Manifestation: This form of sabotage often shows up as expecting your partner to know what you’re thinking or feeling without you expressing it, or assuming you know your partner’s thoughts and emotions without asking.

Real-life Scenario: Sam is upset because he believes his partner, Riley, should have known he had a tough day at work. Instead of communicating his feelings, he withdraws, causing unnecessary tension in their relationship.

The Fix: Clear and open communication is key. If you’re upset, express it. If you’re unsure about your partner’s feelings or thoughts, ask. Don’t let assumptions create misunderstandings or hard feelings.

Expert Tip: Remember, your partner isn’t a mind reader, and neither are you. Creating an open dialogue about feelings, expectations, and needs can go a long way in preventing this form of relationship sabotage.

13. Prioritizing Pride Over Love: The Ego-Driven Saboteur in Your Relationship

Pride is a double-edged sword. While it’s essential for self-respect and confidence, an overabundance can harm relationships. Prioritizing pride over love can sabotage a relationship by inhibiting vulnerability, stoking conflict, and preventing resolution.

Manifestation: This form of sabotage may appear as refusal to apologize, persistent need to be right, or inability to show emotional vulnerability. 

Real-life Scenario: In an argument about household chores, Daniel realizes he was wrong. However, his pride prevents him from admitting his mistake to his partner, Ava, prolonging the conflict and creating unnecessary resentment.

The Fix: Allow love to take precedence over pride. Be willing to admit when you’re wrong, apologize sincerely, and embrace vulnerability. These acts don’t signify weakness; they signify emotional maturity and strength.

Expert Tip: A relationship thrives when love is the priority. Remember, it’s not about who’s right but what’s right for the relationship. Don’t let an inflated ego become a saboteur in your love story.

damaging own relationship

14. Avoiding Difficult Conversations: The Ostrich Saboteur in Your Relationship

Conversations about difficult topics are a crucial part of any relationship. Avoiding these conversations can be a subtle form of self-sabotage that fosters resentment, misunderstandings, and ultimately, distances you from your partner.

Manifestation: This type of sabotage can manifest as silence about issues that bother you, brushing aside your partner’s attempts to discuss something serious, or using humor to dodge meaningful conversations.

Real-life Scenario: Emma is frustrated by her partner Liam’s spending habits. However, she avoids the conversation due to her fear of conflict, leading to unaddressed financial tensions that silently strain their relationship.

The Fix: Embrace difficult conversations. It may feel uncomfortable, but addressing issues head-on allows you to find solutions and deepen your understanding of each other.

Expert Tip: Remember, avoiding a problem doesn’t make it disappear. Being able to discuss uncomfortable topics is a sign of a mature, healthy relationship. Don’t let the ostrich saboteur bury your relationship’s potential in the sand.

15. Being Dishonest: The Deception Saboteur in Your Relationship

Honesty is the bedrock of any strong relationship, and any form of dishonesty can effectively sabotage that trust. Whether it’s a small white lie or a significant omission, dishonesty sows seeds of doubt that can grow into major trust issues.

Manifestation: This form of sabotage can occur as lying about your feelings, hiding important information, or being unfaithful.

Real-life Scenario: Zoe lied to her partner Alex about where she was one evening because she wanted some alone time. When Alex found out, trust was broken, causing unnecessary doubt and suspicion.

The Fix: Be open and honest. If you need space, communicate that. If you’ve made a mistake, own up to it. Transparency is critical to maintaining trust and respect in your relationship.

Expert Tip: Remember, honesty nurtures trust, and trust is the heart of a healthy relationship. Don’t let deception sabotage your love story.

More: The Truth About Lies: How to Understand and Deal with Liars in Your Life >>

16. Not Expressing Love: The Cold Shoulder Saboteur in Your Relationship

We all need reassurance and appreciation in our relationships. Not expressing love and gratitude can sabotage your relationship by making your partner feel unappreciated or unloved.

Manifestation: This sabotage can surface as forgetting to say ‘I love you,’ not acknowledging your partner’s achievements, or consistently prioritizing other things over your relationship.

Real-life Scenario: Despite her feelings for him, Maria rarely expresses her love to Tom. She assumes he knows how she feels, but her lack of verbal and physical affirmation leaves him feeling insecure and unappreciated.

The Fix: Show your love and appreciation. Whether through words, acts of service, physical affection, quality time, or gifts, express your feelings regularly. 

Expert Tip: Remember, love needs to be felt and expressed, not just understood. Don’t let the cold shoulder saboteur freeze the warmth in your relationship.

17. Ignoring Emotional Needs: The Emotional Blindspot Saboteur in Your Relationship

Ignoring your partner’s emotional needs is like ignoring a ticking time bomb in your relationship. It can subtly sabotage your bond by creating feelings of loneliness, rejection, and emotional starvation.

Manifestation: This form of sabotage may manifest as not paying attention when your partner shares their feelings, minimizing their emotional experiences, or not providing emotional support when needed.

Real-life Scenario: Jake often dismisses Ana’s feelings, assuming she’s just “being emotional.” Over time, Ana feels unheard and unseen, breeding resentment and a sense of disconnection in their relationship.

The Fix: Recognize and validate your partner’s feelings. Make an effort to understand their emotional needs and provide the support they need. 

Expert Tip: Remember, being emotionally attuned to your partner is a vital part of a strong relationship. Don’t let an emotional blindspot sabotage your shared emotional landscape.

18. Unresolved Past Traumas: The Ghosts from the Past Saboteur in Your Relationship

Unresolved past traumas can haunt your present relationship, causing you to react disproportionately or project past experiences onto your partner. These ghosts from the past can sabotage your relationship, building walls where bridges should be.

Manifestation: This form of sabotage may appear as overreacting to certain triggers, expecting your partner to ‘fix’ your past, or allowing past hurts to dictate your relationship’s narrative.

Real-life Scenario: Sam, still scarred from a past relationship where he was cheated on, finds himself constantly suspicious and accusatory towards his current partner, Lisa, despite her loyalty.

The Fix: Seek professional help to address past traumas. Healthy coping mechanisms and therapeutic intervention can provide the tools to manage these emotional wounds effectively.

Expert Tip: Remember, carrying the weight of the past can burden your present and future relationship. Don’t let the ghosts from the past sabotage the possibilities of your present love story.

19. Forgetting the Importance of Friendship: The Erosion Saboteur in Your Relationship

Forgetting that a solid friendship forms the base of any enduring romantic relationship can subtly erode the bond you share. This slow sabotage can result in feeling like you’re sharing a house but not a life.

Manifestation: This form of sabotage may manifest as treating your partner with less kindness than you would a friend, neglecting shared interests, or allowing romance to overshadow the importance of platonic camaraderie.

Real-life Scenario: As the years pass, Emma and Oliver find they’re more focused on their roles as parents, professionals, and life partners than as friends. The laughter and shared interests that once bound them have dwindled, leaving a void.

The Fix: Foster your friendship. Regularly engage in shared interests, create memories together, and ensure to maintain the laughter and light-heartedness that nourishes companionship. 

Expert Tip: Remember, the healthiest relationships are often those where each person considers the other their best friend. Don’t let the erosion saboteur wash away the solid foundation of friendship in your relationship.

self destructing relationship

20. Letting Romance Die: The Flame Extinguisher Saboteur in Your Relationship

Neglecting the flames of passion and romance is a surefire way to sabotage your relationship. While it’s normal for the initial intensity to mellow, letting the fire die out entirely can leave a cold void in its wake.

Manifestation: This sabotage manifests as a lack of physical intimacy, stopping “dating” each other, or forgetting the importance of small, romantic gestures.

Real-life Scenario: John and Marianne find their conversations revolve around bills, work, and chores, forgetting the sweet nothings they once whispered. The special dates and surprises have become a thing of the past, leaving their relationship feeling flat and monotonous.

The Fix: Reignite the spark. Plan surprise dates, leave love notes, and remind your partner why you fell in love in the first place. Small consistent acts of love can stoke the flames of passion.

Expert Tip: Remember, a relationship without romance is like a fireplace without a fire; it may still provide structure, but it lacks warmth. Don’t let the flame extinguisher saboteur smother the sparks in your relationship.

21. Not Supporting Each Other’s Goals: The Dream Thwarting Saboteur in Your Relationship

Failing to support or even acknowledge your partner’s aspirations is a destructive way to sabotage your relationship. It creates a divide, breeding resentment and alienation.

Manifestation: This form of sabotage may manifest as dismissing your partner’s goals, undermining their confidence, or even flat out discouragement.

Real-life Scenario: Sam dreams of opening his own bakery. His partner, Lisa, views this as an impractical dream and often voices her disdain, causing Sam to feel unsupported and alone.

The Fix: Be each other’s cheerleaders. Show interest in your partner’s dreams, provide encouragement and constructive advice. Celebrate their wins and be a comforting presence during their setbacks.

Expert Tip: Remember, a relationship thrives when both individuals feel seen, heard, and supported in their ambitions. Don’t let the dream thwarting saboteur stunt your relationship’s potential.

22. Escaping Instead of Addressing Issues: The Escape Artist Saboteur in Your Relationship

Avoiding issues instead of addressing them head-on is a classic way to sabotage your relationship. It creates an illusion of peace while the problems continue to fester, often leading to larger issues down the line.

Manifestation: This sabotaging behavior can present itself as changing subjects during a serious talk, walking away from discussions, or indulging in distractions whenever conflicts arise.

Real-life Scenario: Whenever Tina brings up a concern about their relationship, Mark immerses himself in work or his hobbies. This avoidance tactic leaves Tina feeling unheard and their problems unresolved.

The Fix: Have the courage to face your issues. Engage in open, honest, and respectful communication. Be open to criticism and willing to change. 

Expert Tip: Remember, acting like an escape artist won’t make the problems vanish into thin air. Don’t let this evasion tactic undermine the bedrock of your relationship.

23. Allowing Fear to Dictate Actions: The Fear-Driven Saboteur in Your Relationship

Fear is a powerful emotion and allowing it to dictate your actions can sabotage your relationship. This can take the form of fear of commitment, fear of being hurt, or fear of abandonment, leading to self-protective behaviors that can push your partner away.

Manifestation: Fear-based sabotage may look like emotional unavailability, reluctance to commit to future plans, or an over-reliance on defensive mechanisms such as anger or withdrawal.

Real-life Scenario: Jane, having been hurt in previous relationships, finds herself always waiting for the other shoe to drop with her current partner, Paul. Her constant anxiety and fear-driven actions make Paul feel undeserving of her mistrust and pull him away.

The Fix: Identify your fears and work through them, preferably with professional help if they’re deeply ingrained. Communicate your fears to your partner so they understand your reactions.

Expert Tip: Remember, love is about courage – the courage to be vulnerable, to trust, and to face fears together. Don’t let fear-driven sabotage rob you of a fulfilling relationship.

im the problem in my relationship

24. Neglecting Self-care: The Neglected Self Saboteur in Your Relationship

Neglecting self-care is a subtle but surefire way to sabotage your relationship. Your physical, emotional, and mental well-being are essential not just for your own health, but for the health of your relationship too. 

Manifestation: Neglecting self-care might look like irregular sleeping patterns, poor diet, lack of exercise, and ignoring your emotional and mental health needs.

Real-life Scenario: Ben, consumed with work and taking care of his partner, neglects his own needs. He stops working out, eats poorly, and ignores his emotional stress. As his energy and mood plummet, his relationship suffers as well.

The Fix: Implement a regular self-care routine that includes healthy eating, exercise, and time to relax and do things you love. Taking care of your own well-being will enable you to show up as your best self in your relationship.

Expert Tip: Remember, it’s not selfish to take care of yourself. Neglecting self-care is sabotaging not just to your own health, but to your relationship as well.

25. Being Selfish in Bed: The Bedroom Selfishness Saboteur in Your Relationship

Being selfish in bed can sabotage your relationship by creating feelings of dissatisfaction, resentment, and disconnection in your partner. A fulfilling sexual relationship is about mutual pleasure and connection.

Manifestation: This form of sabotage can take the form of focusing only on your own pleasure, not taking the time to understand your partner’s desires, or ignoring their sexual needs.

Real-life Scenario: Sarah often feels neglected during her intimate moments with Jake. Jake focuses on his pleasure and seldom takes the time to understand what Sarah enjoys. Sarah starts to feel dissatisfied and distant in their relationship.

The Fix: Open communication about sexual needs and desires is crucial. It’s important to strive for mutual pleasure and satisfaction in your intimate moments.

Expert Tip: The bedroom isn’t a place for selfishness. Being generous in bed is an investment in your relationship’s emotional bond and overall satisfaction.

26. Giving Unsolicited Advice: The Unwanted Counselor Sabotage in Your Relationship

The habit of constantly giving unsolicited advice can be a sure way to sabotage your relationship. Although it might come from a place of wanting to help, it can make your partner feel undervalued and disempowered.

Manifestation: This type of sabotage can look like always offering solutions or suggestions, even when your partner just wants to be heard, or making decisions for your partner without their input.

Real-life Scenario: Whenever Lisa shares her problems with Mark, he immediately jumps in with advice on how she should handle it. Lisa begins to feel that Mark doesn’t trust her judgment, leading to tension and distance in their relationship.

The Fix: Practice active listening. Often, your partner may not be looking for advice, but just needs someone to listen and validate their feelings. Ask if they want advice before offering it.

Expert Tip: Remember, a good relationship isn’t about fixing each other’s problems. It’s about being supportive and allowing your partner to make their own decisions. Avoid the trap of becoming an unwanted counselor and sabotaging your relationship.

27. Not Accepting the Other’s Flaws: The Perfectionist Saboteur in Your Relationship

Perfection is an unattainable ideal, and failure to accept your partner’s flaws can subtly sabotage your relationship. It can create a toxic atmosphere where your partner constantly feels judged or not good enough.

Manifestation: This sabotage often surfaces as frequent criticism, expecting your partner to change, or constantly comparing your partner to an idealized version of who you think they should be.

Real-life Scenario: Whenever James makes a mistake, Claire points it out and compares him to her ‘perfect’ ex. James begins to feel increasingly inadequate and resentful, causing their relationship to suffer.

The Fix: Embrace your partner’s flaws and remember that everyone has them. Practice acceptance and love your partner for who they are, not who you want them to be.

Expert Tip: Focusing on your partner’s positive attributes can help balance out the negative. Remember, it’s the quirks and flaws that make us uniquely human and lovable.

28. Invading Privacy: The Overstepping Detective Sabotage in Your Relationship

Privacy is a fundamental human right, and lack of respect for it can sabotage your relationship. Even in a close relationship, everyone deserves their own personal space and the freedom to keep certain aspects of their life private.

Manifestation: This sabotage behavior can take forms like snooping through your partner’s phone, emails or personal belongings, or questioning them excessively about their day-to-day activities.

Real-life Scenario: Jake frequently checks Laura’s phone while she’s away, digging through her messages and photos. Laura discovers this invasion of privacy and feels violated, leading to an erosion of trust in their relationship.

The Fix: Trust your partner and respect their personal space. If you have concerns or insecurities, address them openly and honestly, rather than resorting to snooping.

Expert Tip: Strengthening your trust in each other can help alleviate the need to invade privacy. Remember, a relationship built on trust is far more rewarding and stable than one built on detective work.

relationship sabotage signs

29. Letting Outsiders Influence the Relationship: The External Puppeteer Sabotage in Your Relationship

Your relationship should be primarily guided by the two people in it. When you allow outside influences to steer the direction of your relationship, you risk sabotaging its authenticity and depth.

Manifestation: This sabotage takes the form of allowing friends, family, or societal norms to dictate how your relationship should function or evolve.

Real-life Scenario: Tom and Anna are deeply in love but hold off on getting married because their friends tell them it’s too soon. Doubts creep in, tension rises, and their relationship starts to falter under the pressure of outside opinions.

The Fix: Value the input of loved ones, but remember that the decisions in your relationship should ultimately be made by you and your partner.

Expert Tip: Open and honest communication can help you and your partner establish a united front. This will ensure your relationship is built on mutual understanding and respect, not external influence.

Related: Family Boundaries: The Secret to Protecting Your Relationship’s Health >>

30. Making Decisions without Consulting the Other: The Unilateral Strategist Sabotage in Your Relationship

A successful relationship thrives on mutual respect and shared decision-making. When one person begins making significant decisions without involving the other, it can lead to feelings of exclusion and resentment, sabotaging the partnership’s balance.

Manifestation: This behavior surfaces when one person starts making major decisions—like making large purchases, planning vacations, or even deciding on significant relationship steps—without discussing it with their partner.

Real-life Scenario: Without consulting her, Mark decides to accept a job offer in another city, expecting Amy to follow him. Amy feels disregarded and upset, which leads to conflict and resentment.

The Fix: Always involve your partner in significant decisions that will impact both of you. It’s about respect and mutual decision-making.

Expert Tip: Foster a relationship environment where open dialogue is encouraged, and significant decisions are always discussed together. Remember, it’s a partnership.

31. Not Keeping Promises: The Promise Breaker’s Sabotage in Your Relationship

Promises are the bedrock of trust in a relationship. When they’re frequently broken, it’s not just the promises that shatter but the trust and reliability, sabotaging the relationship’s foundation.

Manifestation: This behavior materializes when commitments, large or small, are frequently broken or neglected.

Real-life Scenario: Sarah promises to be home for dinner after work, but she repeatedly stays late at work, breaking her promise. Over time, this chips away at the trust in their relationship, leaving her partner feeling second to her career.

The Fix: Keep your promises, or don’t make them. If circumstances change, communicate this to your partner as soon as possible.

Expert Tip: The reliability of keeping promises cultivates trust. If trust is eroded, it’s challenging to feel secure and loved in a relationship.

32. Refusing to Forgive Past Mistakes: The Relentless Record Keeper’s Sabotage in Your Relationship

Holding on to past mistakes and bringing them up repeatedly is a damaging habit. It sabotages the growth of the relationship and hampers personal healing.

Manifestation: This behavior arises when past wrongdoings are consistently mentioned during arguments or used as ammunition in disagreements, causing a perpetual cycle of blame and resentment.

Real-life Scenario: Even after James apologized and changed his ways, Emily continues to bring up his past mistakes in their arguments, inhibiting their relationship’s progression and growth.

The Fix: Accepting, forgiving, and moving past mistakes is vital for relationship growth. If forgiveness is tough, professional help, like therapy, can be beneficial.

Expert Tip: Resisting the urge to dwell on past mistakes and focusing on growth and change promotes emotional healing and deepens the bond in your relationship.

33. Not Being Present in the Relationship: The Absentee’s Sabotage in Your Relationship

Being physically present but emotionally absent can silently sabotage your relationship. It’s like trying to cultivate a garden without watering the plants.

Manifestation: This behavior is apparent when one spends time with their partner but is mentally distant or preoccupied, making the other person feel lonely and neglected.

Real-life Scenario: Tom spends his evenings at home with Laura but is always engrossed in his phone or work. This leaves Laura feeling ignored and unimportant, thus sabotaging the connection between them.

The Fix: Make an active effort to be present in the moment with your partner. Engage in meaningful conversations, listen attentively, and show genuine interest in their words and actions.

Expert Tip: A relationship thrives on emotional connectivity. By being truly present, you create a nurturing environment for your relationship to flourish and guard against sabotage.

Final Thoughts

As we wrap up this intensive exploration into the multitude of ways we can unintentionally sabotage our relationships, it’s crucial to remember one thing: awareness is the first step towards change.

We’re all guilty of exhibiting one or more of these behaviors at some point in our relationships. The truth is, we’re all human, and we are all a work in progress. Our past experiences, traumas, fears, and insecurities can manifest themselves in our actions and behaviors, often without us even realizing it.

However, recognizing these patterns is the key to breaking them. By understanding how we might be sabotaging our relationships, we can consciously make an effort to change our behavior. This involves open communication, understanding, empathy, and a lot of patience.

Remember, a relationship is like a garden. It requires nurturing, care, and a whole lot of love. Each relationship is unique, just like the two individuals in it. What works for one couple might not work for another. But the one thing that’s common is the need for mutual respect, understanding, and genuine love.

By addressing these 33 forms of sabotage, we hope to help you create healthier, happier relationships. We challenge you to pick one area to work on in your relationship today. After all, great relationships aren’t born; they’re made.

Remember to forgive yourself and your partner for any past missteps, for every day is a new chance to love better, understand deeper, and grow together.

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Article Author

Madison Ross

Madison Ross

Madison is a writer dedicated to helping people build healthy and fulfilling relationships. She has a passion for understanding the dynamics of relationships and helping people navigate the ups and downs of love. Madison is known for her empathy, understanding, and ability to offer practical solutions.
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