Relationships are full of ups and downs, and sometimes our partners have a habit or two that drive us mad. While some are unique to them, a study by fitted furniture specialists Hammonds found that a select few behaviours are universally irritating. With the most annoying habits in a relationship revealed, here is what you need to know to overcome them.
The Most Annoying Habits
Nobody is perfect, so there is always that little something that irks you about your partner. However, it’s fair to say that some bad habits are more noticeable than others.
Data found that half of UK adults in relationships find ‘not listening’ as the most irritating habit. While 43% get annoyed by their partner snoring. Coming in next is poor hygiene at 39%, closely followed by stealing the bed covers at night (35%).
Are We Aware Of Our Habits?
Many of us don’t spend our days wondering if we have any annoying habits, so it’s completely natural if you aren’t aware of your own. Naturally, your partners are more noticeable to you, but research suggests they aren’t even conscious of their irritating behaviours.
Only one in seven (16%) admitted to being guilty of not listening or actively avoiding household chores. This can be frustrating and take a toll on your relationship if left unattended. The best way to start helping your partner break bad habits is to make them aware of them in the first place and explain how they make you feel.
Is There A Gender Or Age Divide?
Some bad habits are more commonly associated with each gender. For example, habits such as avoiding household tasks annoy women significantly more than it does men. Vice versa, men feel the same way about nagging as it annoys 38% more men compared to 22% of women.
Statistics show that 44% of British couples claim to be happy in their relationships, but there is a definite age divide when it comes to arguing. The Hammonds study found that we soften age as 48% of mature adults reported never arguing about each other’s bad habits. This is a stark comparison to couples aged 18-24 who claimed to argue at least 2-3 times a week.
How To Fix Them
First things first, you need to acknowledge your bad habits before you start fixing them. If your partner has let you know that you’ve been snoring at night, you have to take their word for it and validate how they are feeling. You then need to make a conscious effort to change your behaviour, whether that is picking up after yourself more or taking the time to do household chores. Relationship coach, Billy Reid, highlights how important honesty and open communication are when dealing with your partners’ bad habits. She advises that “it may helpful to set boundaries and establish clear expectations around certain behaviours … and it is important to recognise that changing habits takes time and effort.
