50 Marriage Counselors On The Most Common Mistakes Couples Make

26. The number one reason why relationships don’t succeed is that partners set unrealistic expectations for each other. Whether that manifests as a lack of communication, the assumption that mind- reading is a reasonable expectation, or a lack of intimacy, it all points back to this. In other words, look inward.

27. Don’t bring your frustrations from work home with you. It’s okay to say that you had a bad day, but no matter how frustrated you get, don’t take it out on the family.

28. Always validate feelings over experience. Even if it does not make sense to you. Example: I can see why you would be frustrated, because you feel overwhelmed, because you feel like no one understands, and because you see no end in sight. The key is to use 3 “becauses” to validate your loved one. Chances are that they don’t want the problem “fixed,” they want to be heard.