Before your next relationship, or while you’re in any current one, take the time to explore whether your relationship manners are at the level they need to be. Exhibiting the following five traits means that you have poor relationship manners:
1. You make demands or rules that you don’t even follow
Ever complain about your lover not showing you a relationship courtesy, like calling if he’s going to run late, or taking out the garbage, or whatever it may be–only to disobey your own rule? If you’re playing “do as I say, not as I do,” then you have bad relationship manners! Fix this problem, by doling out expectations that you intend to meet yourself.
2. You switch up your word
If you change your story whenever you get “called out” for doing something wrong, then you definitely have bad relationship manners. Don’t declare a promise to a love interest, only to pretend like you never did. Own up to your word.
3. You forget important details
If you’re dating someone and the person shares dates, memories or any kind of information that seems important, it is borderline rude to forget such details frequently. Relationship etiquette demands that you pay attention to the details that matter to your loved one, as it helps show that you care, improve communication, and even strengthen your relationship with that person.
4. You don’t say what you want
As we all know, not everyone is a mind reader. Try not to create emotional confusion in your relationships with others. A tendency towards “leading people on,” or exhibiting a lack of clarity could dismantle your reputation, because it shows bad relationship manners. Make a point of being very clear and forthcoming with your intentions, and act according to the spoken boundaries of your relationships–be they work, school or romantic relationships.
5. You don’t listen to what’s been said
If someone has clarified to you that the person has no interest in a romance with you, and you insist on a romantic relationship, for example, then you have bad relationship manners. Whenever a sentiment is communicated to you and you do not heed that sentiment or show that you have listened to it and understood it, you are potentially setting yourself–and any kind of relationship with that person–up for failure.
