Are you acting like a jerk to your partner without even realizing it? You are not the only one!
If you act like a fool to a partner, without even realizing it, then you are probably practicing one of the mistakes listed below. Of course, each of us wants to be the best, especially to the people closest to us. But what if, without realizing it, we're behaving in ways that make us come off as a total jerk to the person we otherwise love the most? It is very easy to fall into patterns of behavior that we feel are justified or normal, but which can slowly undermine confidence and connectedness in a relationship.
Photo: Unsplash/KhamkeoDisregarding their feelings
One of the most common, but also the most damaging, ways to be a total jerk in a relationship is to neglect your partner's feelings. You can do this in quite subtle ways by belittling their feelings. You say that it is an exaggeration, or a downplaying of the importance of their problems. You say they are too sensitive. Doing so communicates that their feelings are not worth considering, which can lead to feelings of insignificance and isolation.
Focusing only on yourself
Do you unknowingly act like a fool to your partner? Definitely, if you don't even listen to it. It's perfectly natural to talk about ourselves in conversations, but if you constantly steer the conversation back to your own experiences, you may be inadvertently neglecting your partner's needs and concerns. This can come across as selfish or narcissistic, making your partner feel as though their feelings and thoughts are not as important as yours. For example, if your partner had a stressful day at work. You, on the other hand, immediately start talking about your job without first responding to his experience, showing more interest in your problems than his.
Photo: Unsplash/Wilson SanchezHolding grudges
Resentments are silent relationship killers. Holding on to past grudges and constantly bringing them up in arguments can make you vindictive and unyielding. Even if you believe you are just expressing your feelings. Such behavior can prevent the relationship from progressing, as it traps you and your partner in a cycle of resentment and unresolved conflicts.
