Burping(01 of10)
Open Image Modal"If your partner burps, what you want to do is address the behaviour, and do it at a time when your partner is open to listening to it — relaxed, not stressed from other things," says psychotherapist Christina Steinorth. "Do it in non-confrontational way." (credit:Shutterstock)
Temper(02 of10)
Open Image ModalIf your partner has a temper and it's causing problems in your relationship, make sure to address it at a time when the anger isn't happening. Steinorth suggests using language like, "Sometimes when you’re angry, it’s hard to communicate with you. You seem to be angry a lot, is it something I do to make you angry with me?" Acknowledging that you might be part of the problem makes it less confrontational, and easier to work toward a solution together. (credit:Shutterstock)
Rude To Friends(03 of10)
Open Image ModalWhat can you say to a partner who's great to you, but awful to your friends? "You’re a good person, but when you interact with my friends, they don’t see you that way, and it’s important for me for my friends to like you," suggests Steinorth. (credit:Shutterstock)
Nagging(04 of10)
Open Image ModalThis one tends to be a common complaint from men in relationships with women, but nagging can happen from both. Steinorth says you have to tell your partner why the behaviour hurts your feelings, and also stress that it makes you feel good when they're not always telling you what's wrong with you. (credit:Shutterstock)
Being Late(05 of10)
Open Image ModalBecause, as Steinorth points out, couples in good relationships want to make the other one feel special, explaining lateness as an affront can help. "When you catch this," she suggests, "try saying 'when you are late, it makes me feel like I’m not important to you.' They don’t want to make you feel like they don’t love you." (credit:Shutterstock)
Jealousy(06 of10)
Open Image ModalIf your partner is showing signs of jealousy, ask them, 'Why is it you feel jealous? Am I doing something that makes you think I would be interested in someone else?' These questions will make your partner stop and think, says Steinorth, noting it’s always good to be self-reflective in a relationship. (credit:Shutterstock)
Bad Table Manners(07 of10)
Open Image ModalThis is an instance that Steinorth thinks can be put in perspective — yes, eating with your elbows on the table isn't terribly polite, but it also doesn't really affect you in any way. The most important thing is to choose the right time to mention this irritating habits, and it is never, ever when you're out for dinner with others. (credit:Shutterstock)
In-Law Issues(08 of10)
Open Image Modal"What people need to realize is each individual is responsible for their own family, and once they get into that mindset, so many problems could be kept at bay," says Steinorth. Her suggestion for putting this discontent into words? "When your family isn’t nice to me or doesn’t treat me right, I find it disrespectful, and I think you need to talk with them." Your partner's loyalty should lie with them. she emphasizes. (credit:Shutterstock)
Communication Problems(09 of10)
Open Image Modal"People can get so caught in accusations, they forget to focus on why the problem exists," says Steinorth. She suggests people say, 'I see this as an issue. What can we do to improve it?' This rightly makes it a mutual responsibility — after all, it takes two people to have a dysfunctional communication pattern (credit:Shutterstock)
The Easy Solution(10 of10)
Open Image ModalAnd what is the best way for couples to demonstrate their commitment, even if things are rocky? "Act loving — even when you don’t feel like it," says Steinorth. "People will always remember how you make them feel, no matter where you’re at in a relationship, so loving actions, like rubbing their shoulders, will go a long way past those pet peeves." (credit:Shutterstock)