Whether you’re in high school, college or are a full grown adult, breakups are unavoidable. And unfortunately, we all go through it more than once. However, after your first real relationship, it’s easier to pinpoint the mistakes you’ve made that sent your relationship into a downwards spiral. After my year-and-a-half-long relationship came to an end this last summer, I spent countless hours trying to figure out where I went wrong. As stubborn as I am, it’s hard to admit that he wasn’t to blame for all of it, like I had initially convinced myself to spare my feelings. Months later, I’ve finally come to the conclusion that me, and many other girls have made the same obvious mistakes in destroying our perfectly good relationships.
1. You can’t win everything.
You’re gonna get into arguments, it just happens. But sometimes, you’ll have to admit you’re wrong, even if you have the evidence sitting right in front of you that you’re right. Trust me, admitting you’re wrong is much better than hurting both yours and your boyfriends feelings over something stupid.
2. You don’t have to like his friends, but at least pretend to.
His friends were more than likely there way before you, so don’t take that away from him. If you really love him, you have to be accepting of all of his flaws, even if his friends are one of them.
3. Give each other space every now and then.
I can promise you, you will both end up pissed off and annoyed at each other if you spend a ridiculous amount of time together. Pace yourselves when getting into a relationship. You wouldn’t want to spoil all of the fun right away.
4. Jealousy is not cute.
Unless he is very clearly causing harm to your relationship with another girl, let him be. Your boyfriend speaking to other women in the real world is inevitable, so put down his phone, and stop scrolling through his messages to see who he’s been talking to.
5. Do not take a bad day out on him.
Believe it or not, your boyfriend tries really hard to make you happy. Sometimes, that even requires giving up his own happiness to make sure you’re alright. So when you have a bad day at school or work, don’t make him feel like it was his fault by taking it all out on him.
6. You are not his mother.
Seriously though, I’m sure his mom nags him enough at home. He doesn’t need you telling him what to do either.
7. Appreciate.
Finally, let him know that you care about the effort he is making to stay in your life. It’s beyond important that he feels just as appreciated as you do. After all, you never miss a good thing until it’s gone, so don’t let a good one slip away because you neglected to show him how much he really means to you.
