As a relationship therapist, I've seen countless couples unknowingly chip away at their love with small but corrosive habits. It's not the big betrayals that often cause couples to fall apart; it's the subtle, repeated actions that quietly damage trust, intimacy, and respect. If you are stuck in a cycle of tension and disconnect, one or more of these habits may be at play. Let’s break them down and talk about how to stop these destructive forces in their tracks.

Blame is a natural reaction when things go wrong, but it can become a toxic habit that breeds resentment and disconnect. Over time, placing all the responsibility on your partner turns them into antagonists rather than teammates. They begin to feel unfairly judged, and you both lose sight of each other’s positive qualities.

Consider the story of Ayla and Jonah. Ayla felt Jonah was constantly undermining her parenting choices, often making offhand comments in front of the kids. Instead of addressing her feelings directly, Ayla would sulk and later accuse Jonah of being unsupportive. Jonah began to withdraw, feeling cornered and........

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