As you read this, countless relationship partners are either thinking or complaining to others about things they wish their partners would change. It’s a universal truth that relationships come with challenges and frustrations, and it’s common for individuals to focus on aspects of their partner’s behavior or personality that they find annoying.

This could range from how they communicate, organize their lives, or even their quirky habits. However, one of our biggest mistakes in intimate relationships is expecting our partners to change rather than accepting them for who they are.

We all have traits and habits that are deeply ingrained in us. These can include how we speak, how we manage our time, and various other stylistic quirks. While it’s natural to have aspects of ourselves that we might not like or wish to improve, fundamentally, we are who we are. This essence of our being doesn’t change quickly, if at all. Therefore, expecting our partners to undergo significant changes to fit our idealized........

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