Plenty of factors can make tiny cracks in your relationship and weaken it to the point where it's irretrievably broken. But a few relationship no-nos can serve as complete dealbreakers. Is your union headed in the wrong direction? Read on to learn about seven major relationship killers. First on the list is secrecy. When you keep secrets from your partner, particularly ones that affect you both, you chip away at the hard-fought trust and intimacy the two of you have fostered. Whether it's major financial decisions, health issues or ones having to do with the kids (if any), when discovered, secrets can be explosive. Don't let the green monster get between you and your partner – jealousy is another relationship killer. If you're the one who's jealous, get to the bottom of your feelings. Do you feel powerless? Insecure? If so, are these legitimate feelings to have in the situation? Perhaps your partner is paying more attention to a coworker or spending more time with his friends. There could be perfectly good reasons, so communication is key.
Keep things calm and rational and mind your accusations. Baseless ones will simply add fuel to the fire. A related concept, competition, might be in play, if you feel resentment about your partner's achievements. Unless he or she is playing a game of one-upsmanship (which shouldn't be the case), it's OK to celebrate his or her achievements. You're on the same team, after all. And speaking of which, condescension and being excessively critical of your mate are sure relationship killers. No one likes being talked down to or not being treated as an equal. Similarly, there should be a somewhat equal division in the balance of power and decision-making in the relationship – it's crucial that no one is giving or taking more than the other. If your mate can't depend on you, then it will prove to be relationship poison. When a person can't depend on his or her partner, he or she inevitably will find someone else in whom to place trust. Finally, the most obvious relationship killer – infidelity. Any form of betrayal can poison a relationship, but cheating – physical and emotional – may be the most difficult form to surmount.
