5 Things You Should Never Do in a Relationship (No Matter What!)

A relationship is supposed to be a place of safety and understanding where both partners feel valued, loved, and cared for. However, some common mistakes can undermine that balance and lead to unnecessary conflict, hence, there are things you should never do in a relationship.

Whether you’ve been with your partner for years or are just getting started, you must know which behaviors could potentially harm the bond you share. Avoid these five mistakes, and you’ll be better equipped to create a lasting, healthy relationship.

1. Never Stop Communicating

If you think silence is the best way to handle problems, think again. Avoiding tough conversations or shutting down emotionally can slowly chip away at your relationship. Imagine this: You’ve had a long, stressful day, and instead of discussing it with your partner, you bottle up your feelings.

You might feel like you’re sparing them the drama, but over time, this lack of communication creates a gap between you two. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that silence will save you from confrontation, but all it does is leave issues unresolved, and eventually, they will explode in ways you didn’t expect.

Healthy communication is a key pillar of any relationship—it builds trust, resolves conflict, and strengthens the emotional connection.

• Pro Tip: No matter how hard it seems, always make time to talk, especially when something feels off. And remember, healthy communication isn’t just about talking—it’s about listening with an open heart. Take the time to hear your partner out, even when you’re running high on emotions.

2. Don’t Use Your Partner as a Punching Bag

Everyone has moments of frustration, but you must never direct that anger or disappointment toward your partner in a harmful way. Venting your emotions in a way that belittles, insults, or manipulates them can tear down the emotional safety in your relationship.

Think of it this way: Your partner is meant to be your ally, not your opponent. If you make them feel like they’re the ones to blame for everything or constantly snap at them, you’ll only deepen the divide between you.

Emotional or verbal abuse, even when unintentional, can be devastating. No matter how upset you are, taking out your frustrations on the person you love isn’t the solution—it’s a recipe for relationship burnout.

• Pro Tip: When you’re feeling angry or upset, take a moment to pause. Step away from the situation, breathe, and give yourself time to collect your thoughts. Once you’ve calmed down, approach the issue with respect and compassion. Express your feelings, but always remember that how you say something is just as important as what you’re saying.

3. Never Play Games

If you’ve ever found yourself testing your partner’s loyalty, trying to spark jealousy, or playing hard to get, it’s time to take a step back and reflect. Playing mind games in a relationship might give you temporary attention or satisfaction, but it will only lead to distrust and insecurity over time.

Relationships built on manipulation are doomed to fail because they lack transparency and sincerity. Instead of trying to get a reaction from your partner or testing their commitment, focus on building a relationship based on honesty and respect.

Genuinely expressing your needs and desires is much more effective than playing games that ultimately hurt both of you.

• Pro Tip: Be genuine with your partner. If something’s on your mind, you must not play coy—just say it. True love is built on openness, not on guessing games. Your partner should know how you feel, and vice versa, without having to read between the lines or decode secret messages.

4. Don’t Compare Your Partner to Others

It’s natural to compare ourselves to others from time to time, but when you start comparing your partner to past relationships, exes, or even your friends’ significant others, you’re walking down a dangerous path.

Nobody wants to feel like they are competing with someone else, and comparisons can make your partner feel inadequate. When you start measuring your partner against an impossible standard, you miss out on appreciating them for who they genuinely are.

This kind of thinking can breed resentment, jealousy, and a sense of failure—none of which are conducive to a healthy relationship. Your partner is unique, and that’s what makes your bond special.

• Pro Tip: Focus on what makes your partner amazing—because they are. Embrace the qualities that drew you to them in the first place. Whether it’s their sense of humor, their kindness, or the way they look at the world, appreciate the little things that make them stand out in your eyes. When you stop comparing, you start enjoying each other’s individuality.

5. Never Take Each Other for Granted

Relationships can become comfortable over time, and while that’s natural, it can also lead to complacency if you’re not careful. When you stop making an effort to show appreciation for each other, the relationship can start to feel stale.

Simple gestures like saying thank you, complimenting, or planning a spontaneous date night can go a long way in making your partner feel important and valued. When life gets busy, it’s easy to slip into a routine and forget to show affection. 

But remember, your partner isn’t just there for the good times—they’re also there to help you navigate ordeals. Never assume that the love you share will always be enough to keep things afloat without continuous effort.

• Pro Tip: Make a conscious effort to show your appreciation every day. Little surprises like leaving a sweet note, organizing a spontaneous dinner, or even =taking the time to listen can keep the relationship from feeling like a routine. Show your partner that they are always cherished and loved—not just when things are easy.

A Final Thought: Love Is Built on Respect

While it’s easy to focus on what you should do to nurture a relationship, sometimes it’s just as important to focus on what you shouldn’t do.

By avoiding these five harmful behaviors, you’ll build a foundation of respect, trust, and open communication that will stand the test of time.

Relationships take work, but when you invest in each other’s happiness and growth, the results are worth it. Keep these principles in mind, and your bond will only get stronger with time!