Personal traits are at the forefront of shaping our lives and relationships. While some characteristics contribute positively to our well-being and the health of our relationships, some cause unhappiness and relationship failure. Look at 15 common traits that can harm personal happiness and relationship success.
Insecurity
It can manifest as a constant need for reassurance, fear of rejection, or comparing oneself to others. It can create a cycle of seeking validation, which can strain relationships as it may end in clinginess, jealousy, or an inability to trust.
Poor Communication
Effective communication is a leg a relationship can’t stand without. When there is poor communication, feelings may be misunderstood, needs may go unmet, and issues may remain unresolved, leading to frustration and distance between partners.
Selfishness
This is when one prioritizes one’s own needs and desires above those of others. In relationships, this can bring bitterness from partners who feel neglected or unimportant, damaging the relationship.
Jealousy
It can take root from fear of losing someone or lacking self-confidence. It can lead to controlling behaviors, accusations, and distrust, which can poison a relationship’s trust and intimacy.
Lack of Empathy
Empathy is the power to understand the feelings of others. Without empathy, one may struggle to connect with one’s partner’s emotions, causing misunderstandings and the absence of emotional support in the relationship.
Negativity
Constant negativity can build a toxic environment in a relationship, as it focuses on problems rather than solutions. This can drain both partners’ energy and make maintaining a positive outlook on the relationship challenging.
Stubbornness
Being stubborn and unwilling to compromise can lead to conflicts in a relationship. It can cause a power struggle in which neither partner is willing to back down, making it difficult to resolve disagreements and move forward.
Controlling Behavior
This comes in many forms, such as dictating how a partner should dress or who they can spend time with. It can build up resentment and harm the relationship.
Fear of Intimacy
Being afraid of intimacy can manifest as a reluctance to open up emotionally or physically in a relationship. It widens the distance between partners and prevents the deep connection necessary for a healthy relationship.
Impulsivity
When people don’t consider consequences but act impulsively, they can make regrettable decisions that aren’t good for a relationship. Impulsivity can also create instability and unpredictability, making it difficult for partners to feel secure.
Perfectionism
It means having unrealistic expectations for oneself and others and is the sibling of dissatisfaction. In relationships, it results in unending criticism and a lack of acceptance, both of which strain the connection between partners.
No Accountability
Not taking responsibility for one’s actions can erode trust in a relationship. The person who is unfairly blamed may start to be resentful.
Low Self-Esteem
It usually manifests as a never-ending need for validation. It makes one partner depend on the other for your worth and can end in clinginess or insecurity.
Martyr Complex
A martyr complex occurs when someone constantly sacrifices their own needs for others, often with the expectation of receiving recognition or appreciation. If the sacrifices are not acknowledged, this can lead to bitterness, creating tension in the relationship.
Closed-Mindedness
Being closed-minded can prevent growth and hinder the ability to see things from different perspectives. When dating, this can lead to conflicts when partners have differing opinions or values, as there may be a lack of willingness to understand each other’s point of view.
