Relationships… The ultimate rollercoaster of emotions! No matter how much you love someone, it doesn’t mean that everything is always rosy. Surely you have been in that phase where you wonder “What am I doing wrong?”, “Why am I not succeeding?”. The truth is, no matter how much we try to deny it, we all do some basics mistakes on relationships us. And the best part? They can be avoided! If you feel that you already identify, let’s look together at the 5 most common mistakes you can make and how you can correct them.

1. You try to change the other person

Let’s face it: we’ve all thought at one point or another that “if he/she just changed a little, that would be perfect.” But you know what? People don’t change just because we want them to. It is fundamental to accept your partner as he is, with his good and not so good elements. If you go into a relationship thinking that you will change him/her over time, you will probably be disappointed. Acceptance and understanding are the most important foundations for a healthy relationship.

2. You neglect your personal space

It’s easy to get lost in the magic of love and spend all your time with your partner. However, when you lose touch with yourself, you can gradually start to feel “suffocated”. Everyone needs their own space and time to relax, breathe and do the things they love alone. Don’t neglect your hobbies, your friends and your needs. Distance is good for a relationship because it restores balance.

3. You don’t communicate openly

Sometimes we expect our partner to read our mind. “But doesn’t she understand that what she said bothered me?” or “Can’t he see I’m upset?” The thing is, no one can get inside your head. Communication is key in any relationship. Talk openly about your feelings and your needs, without waiting for the other person to guess what you are thinking. The clearer you are, the healthier your relationship will be.

4. You make comparisons with the past

This is a big mistake that we have all more or less made. You may compare your current partner to an ex or judge them against someone else’s “perfect” relationship. Not only does this damage your own relationship, but it’s also unfair to the person you’re with. No relationship is the same, and what you see in others may not be the whole truth. Focus on your own relationship and work on it, without thinking about the past or what others are doing.

5. You overlook the little things

At the beginning of a relationship, everything seems magical: the surprises, the small gestures, the sweet words. Over time, however, these “little things” may come to be taken for granted. The truth is that the little gestures of daily love are what keep a relationship alive and strong. Don’t neglect to show your love through actions, even if it’s something as simple as a text during the day or a hug after a long day.

Relationships are a constant process of learning and evolving. We all make mistakes, but the important thing is to recognize them and try to become better. If you see yourself in any of the above places, don’t worry. You’ve already taken the first step in the right direction, and that’s the most important thing!