WE all know relationships have their challenges, but sometimes it’s not the big arguments that cause the most damage – it’s the small, seemingly harmless habits we don’t even notice.
Take reality star Olivia Attwood, for example.
Olivia Attwood has revealed what can happen when she argues with her husband Bradley Dack[/caption]
Bradley proposed to Olivia back in 2019[/caption]
They went on to get married on 3 June 2023[/caption]
She recently revealed she and her husband, footballer Bradley Dack, have a unique way of dealing with arguments: they block each other on WhatsApp.
Olivia, 34, admitted she’s been blocked multiple times by Bradley to prevent a disagreement from escalating, and vice versa.
She explained the pair will only unblock each other once they have calmed down.
According to psychologists, these seemingly small acts of avoidance or control are often “micro red flags” that can quietly predict long-term relationship strain.
Renowned relationship researcher Dr. John Gottman found that couples who engage in these toxic behaviors have a 93% chance of breaking up if they aren’t addressed.
Relationship expert Annabelle Knight says that while no one is perfect, these small acts become a problem when they turn into a pattern.
“When little acts of avoidance or control become patterns, they quietly undermine all the good things in your relationship,” she explains.
Spotting these habits in your own behavior or your partner’s is the first step toward breaking the cycle and building a healthier relationship.
So, what are these small actions we should be aware of?
Here, Annabelle reveals the eight everyday habits that might seem harmless but could be quietly signalling trouble for you and your partner.
Leaving ‘on read’
Do you leave your partner’s texts on “read” while you’re happily scrolling Instagram?
It may feel trivial, but it signals avoidance and can make your partner feel invisible.
Over time, this creates a power imbalance that psychologists say fosters resentment.
Weaponised incompetence
Purposely stacking the dishwasher ‘wrong’ might feel inconsequential, but it could breed contempt.
Research shows that contempt is one of the biggest predictors of divorce, and even small acts chip away at trust.
No, you hang up…
What you get up to on your phone speaks volumes about your relationship[/caption]
Always waiting for your partner to hang up first seems like a cute game, but it could be a subtle sign of control.
Couples who engage in communication one-upmanship often report lower relationship satisfaction, according to studies on interpersonal dynamics.
The lock screen betrayal
Switching your phone’s wallpaper from a cute couple photo to a thirst trap selfie might feel like reclaiming your independence, but it can feel like rejection to your partner.
Gestures like this can amplify insecurities and cause your partner to emotionally withdraw from you.
Silently scrolling
Retreating down a social media rabbit hole after a fight instead of talking it through can quickly become a habit.
Psychologists call behaviour like this ‘stonewalling,’ and it’s linked to higher stress levels in both partners and can breed long term emotional distance.
Shady socials
Do you post a ‘feeling cute, might delete later’ selfie right after a blow-up?
It may feel empowering in the moment, but research into social media and relationships shows that ‘puzzle posting’ (posting indirectly about your feelings) often fuels jealousy and mistrust.
Calendar wars
Conveniently ‘forgetting’ to add your partner to social plans or leaving them out of group chats isn’t just forgetfulness.
Over time, it sends a clear message – they’re not a priority.
Studies show that behaviours that exclude your partner are strongly tied to relationship dissatisfaction.
Bedtime betrayal
The old adage ‘never go to bed angry’ holds more water than we might think[/caption]
Do you head to bed without saying goodnight after a disagreement?
Sleep researchers found that couples who go to bed angry report poor quality sleep and that it lowers overall relationship satisfaction.
The old adage ‘never go to bed angry’ holds more water than we might think.
Signs your relationship is heading for a divorce
- Persistent Communication Breakdowns
Constant misunderstandings, arguments, or a complete lack of meaningful conversation can signal deep-seated issues. - Emotional Distance
Feeling like roommates rather than partners, with a noticeable lack of intimacy or emotional connection. - Frequent Criticism and Contempt
Regularly criticising each other and showing contempt, such as sarcasm, eye-rolling, or mocking, can erode the relationship’s foundation. - Unresolved Conflicts
Recurrent arguments about the same issues without any resolution can indicate deeper incompatibilities. - Loss of Trust
Trust is crucial in any relationship. If it’s been broken and cannot be rebuilt, it may be a sign that the relationship is in trouble. - Different Life Goals
Significant differences in future aspirations, such as career goals, lifestyle choices, or family planning, can create insurmountable divides. - Avoidance
Preferring to spend time apart rather than together, whether through work, hobbies, or social activities, can indicate a desire to escape the relationship. - Lack of Support
Feeling unsupported, whether emotionally, financially, or practically, can lead to feelings of isolation and resentment. - Financial Disagreements
Constantly arguing about money, spending habits, or financial priorities can strain the relationship. - Infidelity
Whether physical or emotional, infidelity can be a major breach of trust and a sign of deeper issues in the relationship. - Changes in Affection
A noticeable decrease in affection, physical touch, or romantic gestures can indicate a loss of connection.
