by Kathy D

Created on: February 05, 2010

Relationship breakups are inevitable in a person's lifetime. Otherwise, there wouldn't be such a thing as exes. You can learn a lot from the experience of a breakup to help you with future relationships. But, it's better to learn how to prevent a relationship from breaking up in the first place. You can do this by identifying the most common reasons for breakups.

CHEATING

Cheating on your partner can certainly be the demise of your relationship. Cheating is an ultimate betrayal and one of the top reasons that relationships end. Cheating may be in the form of physical or emotional. Being faithful in every way to your partner will prevent the relationship from breaking up. Trust instills a deeper closeness. Think of what you will lose before you make the choice to cheat on your partner.

DEVOTION

You have chosen your partner to be in a relationship with for a reason. This means that holding onto them should come with devotion. Your partner should know they are number one in your life. Devotion is shown not just on Valentine's Day or special days, but in everyday life. Express your devotion in a way your partner never doubts how you feel about them. Don't flirt with others in a way that causes your partner to feel you are less devoted to them. Don't make excuses about not spending enough time with your partner. Spend quality time with your partner and be their best friend.

INCOMPATIBILITY

Opposites may attract, but they also tend to clash. The person you find intriguing at first may later become an opposite you cannot deal with. Know your values before you even go on a first date with someone new. Get to know their values before getting into a relationship. When values clash, incompatibility issues will almost certainly arise.

SELFISHNESS

Selfishness doesn't serve any purpose other than fulfilling your own needs. This causes your partner to feel unappreciated and sometimes even invisible. Prevent a relationship breakup by being open to your partner's feelings and needs. A relationship shouldn't be one-sided, but a matter of sharing and giving to each other. Take time to listen and be a support to your partner. Take your partner's suggestions about what they like to do into account. Be a real partner and not a selfish jerk. This greatly decreases the chance of your relationship breaking up.

TAKING PARTNER FOR GRANTED

Taking a partner for granted is a leading cause for relationship breakups. Once a person starts feeling they are being taken for granted, their view changes of their partner. They may feel very empty and alone, as if they don't have a partner or relationship at all. Don't take your partner for granted as if they will always be there no matter what. Sooner or later they will tire of being taken for granted and you'll be the one left with regrets. Acknowledge and appreciate your partner for what they do and more importantly, for who they are.

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