16 Warning Signs You’re Not the Best Girlfriend You Think You Are

Being in a relationship isn’t as smooth as we think; we try our hardest but are bound to fall into occasional hiccups. However, if you and your partner are consistently getting into trouble, chances are one or both of you might be the reason. Here are some signs that tell that you’re failing as a girlfriend and what you need to be a better person.

You Criticize Them

We look to our partners for support and love, so we expect them to appreciate who we are as we are. However, if you’re always pointing out flaws, trying to correct their behaviors, or overall making general negative comments about their personality, habits, or appearance, you’re not bringing the love and support you should.

You Dismiss Their Feelings

It’s incredibly hard to open up about your feelings and past experiences, even with your partner. It takes a lot of effort, time, support, and trust. If your partner opens up to you about their feelings but quickly dismisses them or treats them like nothing, you’re harming the safe space they thought they shared with you.

You Prioritize Your Own Needs

We all want to live a comfortable life, but it doesn’t mean your needs should come above your partner’s. Every relationship should be balanced equally, with both partners’ needs being met. If you’re always quick to take care of your needs but barely do the same for your partner, you’re being inconsiderate and unsupportive.

You Get Jealous

It’s natural to get a little jealous, especially if your partner is hanging out in mixed company or is with people they’ve previously dated. But you need to change if you let your jealousy get in the way of your relationship and your partner’s relationships with other people. Being accused of cheating or being suspicious when you’re loyal also puts someone off their relationship.

You’re Unreliable

Do you forget to pay the bills on time? Do you skip chores and let them collect for your partner? Do you forget to do favors your partner specifically asked you to? You might think you’re clumsy or forgetful, but if you’re constantly missing payments and being irresponsible, you’re not giving your partner the confidence of a reliable partner.

You Refuse To Communicate

No relationship will thrive without proper communication. While we all want a partner who understands exactly what we want, when we want, it’s impossible to be on the same level as your partner unless you communicate. If you’re always expecting your partner to assume and understand, you’re being uncommunicative.

You Are Negative

Not everyone is an optimist, but if you’re always pointing out the faults in others and criticizing life, you’re going to strain your relationship. People expect positivity and support from their relationships; if you’re always being negative and refuse to see through a positive lens, you might be making the relationship troublesome for your partner.

You Don’t Apologize When You’re Wrong

Not apologizing when you are wrong is a habit that can ruin your relationship quickly. When you avoid taking responsibility for your mistakes, you send a signal that you value pride over your partner’s feelings. This may make them feel unheard and ultimately disconnected. By apologizing, you may lose the argument, but you will win your partner’s heart.

You Avoid Physical Affection

A physical connection is very important for a healthy relationship. Partners with a good physical relationship tend to feel more fulfilled and argue less. Even small non-intimate moments, such as hugs or holding hands, help couples bond deeply. On the other hand, a lack of physical affection may make your partner feel insecure and undervalued.

You Focus Only on Their Flaws

It’s okay to notice your partner’s mistakes, but if that’s all you do, it can make them feel unappreciated. Constantly pointing out what’s wrong can hurt their confidence and make them feel unloved. Try to focus on the good things they do and let them know you appreciate them.

You Hold Grudges

Holding grudges isn’t only immature; it also prevents relationships from moving forward successfully. If you want your relationship to survive long-term, you must find ways to move on from past conflicts and work toward a better future. However, if you get mad or distant because of issues your partner has repeatedly apologized for, you need to look into yourself.

You Take Out Your Stress on Them

We all go through rough days, but it’s unfair to let that frustration spill over onto your partner. If you’re snapping, acting distant, or being grumpy because of your stress, it can slowly damage your relationship. Instead, be honest about how you’re feeling and let them know what’s on your mind. Find ways to handle the stress together. Your partner should be the person who comforts you, not the one who suffers because of your mood.

You Compare Them To Others

We all battle insecurities, but one of the most painful things is being compared with peers and other people by our loved ones. Constant comparison not only reduces confidence and ambition; it also feeds into insecurities and might tap into traumatic experiences. It can be an off-putting trait for many people.

You Discourage Their Ambition

Sometimes, we discourage our loved ones from a particular ambition because we realize it’s going to hurt them. But if you’re always trying to convince your partner to give up on their dreams, you’re actively chopping off their ambition and confidence. This can make it impossible for your partner to thrive professionally and personally.

You Don’t Compromise

Is your partner always bending to your will? Are they always putting your comfort over theirs? Your partner’s willingness to support your causes and wishes might seem romantic, but if you’re never one to make a compromise, you’re setting up an unfavorable power dynamic in the relationship.

You Taunt Their Dreams

We’ve all got dreams that we want to pursue or, in some cases, want to. If you’re criticizing your partner’s dreams, mocking their wishes, or overall making fun of their lifestyle and choices and putting them down, you’re actively taunting the essence of your partner and making the relationship uncomfortable for them.

More For You

Marriage isn’t always easy, and disagreements are bound to happen. While you can’t avoid them completely, being aware of common stressors can help you handle them better. Here are some stress factors that can impact your relationship.

This article was first published on the RB ITALIA Blog.