10 Major Mistakes Men Make That Destroy Relationships

By Rachael Pace

People make mistakes every single day. Accidentally buying milk when you have a full carton in the fridge is a mistake you can live with. However, there are other serious mistakes that aren't so forgivable - especially when it comes to married life and relationships.

Every relationship you have teaches you a new lesson. You learn to avoid toxic relationships, solve relationship issues through communication, and give more quality time to your married life. But, if your relationships keep failing, might you be the one bringing negative qualities to your romantic life?

Don't let unknown issues creep in and cause relationship issues in your life. Take control of your bad habits by learning these 10 mistakes that men make that are destroying their relationships.

1. Focusing on Sex Instead of Intimacy

There is no doubt that sex feels great. It's an exciting way to spend time with your partner. However, it's important to focus on intimacy and not just sex. Focusing solely on getting dirty with your spouse can make your partner feel unappreciated or unloved.

There are endless benefits of not only having sex with, but having a deep, connected intimacy with your spouse. Research shows that the oxytocin released during sex can relieve stress and bond couples closer together.

Couples who are regularly intimate with one another are also more likely to verbalize their love and report heightened emotional intimacy.

2. Poor Communication

Ask any happily married couple and they will tell you that communication is the key to a happy, healthy relationship. If you cannot communicate with your partner, you'll never be able to grow.

Healthy communication helps you get to know your partner on a deeper level, promotes unity and helps couples problem solve in a mature and respectful manner.

3. Lying

Studies suggest that men are more likely to tell prosocial lies of omission (for example, cheating on a partner and avoiding talking about it) than women.

Lying is the quickest way to ruin a healthy relationship. If you're doing, thinking, or feeling something that you're unwilling to tell your partner about, odds are there is trouble ahead.

By lying to a spouse about spending habits, whereabouts, and marital satisfaction, you break your partner's trust. And once trust is broken, it is nearly impossible to gain back.

4. Not Admitting Fault

There is nothing more frustrating that someone who is too proud to admit when they are wrong. If you have a prideful attitude, it could be getting in the way or a happy married life.

Admitting when you are wrong and apologizing for any hurt feelings you may have caused shows a level of empathy and love that will be much appreciated in a relationship. Also, the more willing you are to admit when you are wrong, the more likely it is that your spouse will follow suit.

5. Lack of Appreciation

Sometimes the biggest relationship issues come from the smallest problems. For example, when was the last time you told your wife you appreciated the meals she cooks or how clean she keeps the house? Is she an excellent mother or an awesome Call of Duty companion? Does she work hard to bring home the bacon?

Studies show that partner's who express gratitude for one another regularly reported increased relationship satisfaction. So, the next time your wife does something to make your day a little better, express your thanks.

6. Lack of Understanding

The old saying 'Men are from Mars' and 'Women are from Venus' has been around for centuries for a reason. Between your wife saying "It's fine" when it clearly isn't or her becoming overly emotional during a certain time of the month, understanding each other can sometimes hit a rough patch.

In order to quell relationship issues and promote a happy married life, you must be willing to understand your spouse. You can do this by asking open-ended questions and really listening when your partner is speaking to you.

7. Cheating

Research compiled by divorce lawyers suggests that online infidelity is one of the biggest cited reasons for ending a marriage. Whether you're texting someone inappropriately, soliciting others online for scandalous photos, or straight up pursuing a sexual relationship outside of your relationship – cheating is a sure fire way to end your marriage.

8. Problems in the Bedroom

You're probably not going to want to hear this, but sometimes the biggest problem men make are in the bedroom. If you're rushing to the finish line before she has a chance to get warmed up, things are going to go downhill, fast.

It's no secret that women often need a little extra attention to climax during sex. This requires patience, passion, and a lot of foreplay. You must be willing to be adventurous, play with toys, and take your time.

Studies show that women are more likely to orgasm with a loving partner than with a hookup encounter. This fact shows that she trusts you and feels comfortable telling you what she needs to 'get there' in the bedroom.

So, the next time she gives you instruction on what feels good or what she isn't so crazy about, don't sulk. Take it as a sign that she's wild about you and trusts that you have her pleasure as your top priority.

9. Not Spending Enough Time Together

One mistake that men make that end up creating relationship issues is not spending enough quality time together. Remedy this by having a regular date night a couple times a month. Studies show that by doing this you reduce relationship boredom, deepen your romantic connection, boost libido, and strengthen the marital friendship.

10. Being Pushed Around

One of the biggest mistakes' men make in relationships comes from being too eager to please. You should never move in with a partner when you don't feel ready to do so.

Feeling bullied or pressured to have children, buy a pet together, or propose are all signs of a toxic relationship. Never agree to do these things unless you are absolutely ready. It isn't fair to you, your spouse, or your potential kids or pets.

Relationship issues are common in most marriages, but when bad times start outweighing the good, it's time to get informed about any mistakes you might be making. Don't let bad habits turn your marriage into a toxic relationship. Instead, focus on positive communication, show appreciation regularly, and spend quality time with your spouse.

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