The Most Common Relationship Mistakes Couples Make and What to Do About Them

As Kathy contemplates her answer to her boyfriend Greg's proposal-- that they move in together-- she is filled with a mixture of excitement, joy, fear and dread.

The last thing that Kathy wants is for this long-term relationship to be like her marriage that ended in divorce 3 years ago after her husband (at the time) had an affair with their neighbor.

There's no doubt in her mind that Kathy loves Greg and that he loves her. Her hesitation and worry come from not wanting to make the same mistakes in this relationship that she did in her marriage.

Over time, from Kathy's perspective, these relationship mistakes seem inevitable. She wonders if allowing her relationship with Greg to go to the next level is worth risking getting hurt again.

There is probably not a single love relationship or marriage that's ever happened that did not involve blunders or worse. If you're in a relationship, chances are high that both of you will slip up in some way from time to time.

Making a mistake doesn't necessarily mean that the relationship is doomed to be unhappy or to fail.

What all of this does mean is that you and your mate need to stay awake. Be aware when you two are falling into habits that are driving a wedge between you. Find the courage to talk about what's going on in ways that point you toward solutions

And, then, follow through and actually make the necessary changes.

Here are 3 common relationship mistakes and what you can do about them...

#1: Making assumptions.

You might find yourself assuming that your partner will think, feel or act in particular ways simply because he or she has in the past, because your former partner was like that or because you believe that all men or all women are this way.

Whatever is leading you to jump to a conclusion that your mate is or wants to be loved THIS way and not THAT way, question it.

Regardless of how long you have been married or in this relationship, don't assume that you know everything that there is to know about your partner. This is likely to lead to dissatisfaction, resentment and tension.

Instead, take the time to ask questions from a place of curiosity and really listen to what your partner says in response to your questions.

#2: Putting your relationship on the back burner.

We know, it can be a challenge to keep your relationship a priority in your life when you are also trying to earn a living, care for your children, maintain friendships, fulfill personal interests and make it to the gym a few times a week too.

Phew!

Life can get super busy and far too many couples put their relationship on the back burner with the intention to focus energy on it when everything calms down and there is more time.

One complaint that is often made by our readers about their relationships is that their partner neglects them. They feel unimportant and unloved. In cases like these, it is too tempting for the neglected partner to look outside the relationship for what's perceived as missing.

Set aside even 5 minutes each and every day for you and your mate to spend checking in with one another. Hold hands, look into each other's eyes and share what's going on for you. This doesn't have to be a gut-wrenching, soul-baring kind of sharing.

What is most important is that you and your partner are taking regular time to feed and nurture your connection with one another.

#3: Stop expressing your love and appreciation for one another.

For a FREE report from relationship coaches Susie and Otto Collins for reversing relationship habits that cause disconnection visit PassionateHeart.com

Susie and Otto Collins have written these e-books and programs to help couples connect and communicate: Magic Relationship Words, Relationship Trust Turnaround, No More Jealousy and Stop Talking on Eggshells among many others.