5 Toxic-But-Common Relationship Habits You Need To Kick, Stat

By Jillian Kramer

When you sit down to write out this year's resolutions, don't forget to take the opportunity to pen a few goals that will make your relationship even better. Here, our experts get you started with 5 that will stop you from bickering and even make a few fireworks fly.

Here are 5 awful, but common, relationship habits you need To kick, stat:

1. Nonstop nagging.

Relationship expert and advice columnist April Masini says that we often nag when we don't get the results we want.

In other words, we're sick to death of finding socks beside the hamper. So, we get into a routine of telling our significant other to put them away until our floors are sock-free. But, "you can become aggressive in trying to get those results," Masini warns. And that won't do good things for your relationship.

"The better strategy is to change your own behavior. So, realize that nagging isn't the best use of your time and look for a creative solution to the need you want met instead of barking up the same tree over and over again."

2. Playing the blame game.

Is it never your fault in your relationship? "It's very easy when problems arise to immediately blame our partners," says Malibu licensed marriage therapist Alisa Ruby Bash. But, by playing the blame game couples can quickly cross the line from a calm conversation to dirty fighting.

"When we get used to aggressive name-calling and hitting below the belt, it can be very difficult to let go of our wounds," Bash explains. "Although arguing is inevitable in even the healthiest of marriages, the way we fight our battles and the words we use can impact our entire future together. So, learn to take responsibility for your feelings and reactions when discussing issues. Communicate authentically with kindness."

3. Not showing your appreciation.

"Telling your spouse you love him every day is easy, cheap, and not fattening, but so many people don't do it," says Masini.

She recommends showing our appreciation in even the smallest ways. Masini suggests sending a sweet text message or going old school with a love letter tucked in your spouse's purse or wallet to get their heart melting. You could also purchase inexpensive items, such as a book or single flower to show your appreciation for all your significant other does on the daily.

"Make this the year where you really show your significant other how much you appreciate him or her with little gestures," Masini says. "A year filled with little gestures is much better than one grand one."

4. Don't get too comfortable.

Admits Bash, "We all can get too complacent at times." But, when we don't put in the effort we did in our dating days, "we risk losing the spark that brought us together in the first place," she says. "If we start to become more like roommates than lovers, it can be very difficult to find our way back to romantic love."

"Chemistry isn't always natural," says Bash. It, too, can take work. So, this year "pay attention to your partner's feelings and desires," she says. "Try to resolve any anger that builds up. Make your relationship a top priority, even if you're parents. And take care of yourself so that you feel attractive enough to be intimate with your partner."

5. Staying stuck in a rut.

If you find yourself repeating the same things over and over and over again with your spouse, you could be stuck in a rut boring enough to put your relationship right to sleep.

"Many of us resort to certain behaviors, such as being intimate in the same position or spending date night only at dinner and the movies," she says, "but a great way to live is to shake it up in all corners of your relationship."