1. Pick the wrong partner for the wrong reasons
No matter how charming your partner is, if he or she's a player, an out-of-control spender, a con artist, an alcoholic/addict or violent, no amount of love on your part will fix the problem. Don't try. The minute you find out there's a Fatal Flaw, end it. Find a less charming, but more upstanding, healthy person to love. If you’ve been with this person a long time, you might not want to give up. You can try an intervention, but it’s tough.
2. Nag/scold/bitch/yell when things don't meet your expectations.
You have to take care of yourself, and find a way to solve problems and motivate your partner to work with you. Partnership is the name of the game, not “I want you to take care of me, and I'll throw a temper tantrum if you don't.” You'll get a lot more of what you want if you ask directly and simply, and motivate with affection, humor and fun. Celebration + Appreciation = Motivation.
3. Do it all yourself.
Lots of people try to fill in all the gaps by doing whatever their partner isn't doing—all alone. If he can't keep a job, getting successful on your own could be a good thing for you, but it won't save the relationship. If she won't be responsible about money or discipline, doing it all yourself will work for a while, but you'll wind up being seen as a control freak, and hated. If your partner won't help around the house, or with the kids, doing it all yourself (plus your job) won't save the relationship either. Very early in the relationship, give your partner the room pitch in and help. If nothing is forthcoming, ask directly (don't just whine or hint) for what you want. If your mate doesn't step up, and won’t discuss what would help, then you're probably the only one in the relationship, and it's not going to work.
4. Make assumptions that your partner thinks the way you do, and then get angry when he or she doesn't.
If you don't learn how to communicate, and find out what your partner thinks, you won't be able to get along. The three most important words in a relationship are: “tell me more.”
5. Blow sex out of proportion.
If sex is either too important, or not important enough to you, the relationship won't have any juice, and won't last. Sex is one more form of relationship communication. You and your partner need to work it out together. If you have hang-ups or unrealistic expectations about sex, and won't address them, you won't have a lasting relationship.
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