Navigating the dating world can be challenging, especially if your goal is to settle down and get married. If your goal is to eventually say “I do,” then beware of these behaviors that will never lead to marriage.
While there’s no one-size-fits-all path to matrimony, certain behaviors will never lead to marriage. Here are 12 common actions that might be preventing you from walking down the aisle.
1. Avoiding Serious Conversations
Be honest about your behavior. Are you always shying away from serious conversations because you want to keep it “casual” or “fun?” Your relationship may remain superficial in the future.
Partnerships that lead to marriage thrive on vulnerability and serious planning. By avoiding these talks, you signal that you’re not ready for long-term commitment.
2. Constantly Putting Yourself First
Self-care and independence are vital, but a marriage-minded relationship requires balance and mutual support. Self-obsessed people who aren’t thinking about their partner’s needs don’t have what it takes for a serious commitment.
Successful long-term relationships rely on both people to value each other’s needs as highly as their own. You may not always get what you want, but you love the other person enough to be willing to make some sacrifices.
3. Refusing to Compromise
Compromise is a cornerstone of any successful relationship. If you find yourself unwilling to bend or negotiate on even minor issues, it’s a sign that life with you might be difficult.
Be flexible with what you want. You’re going to need to make adjustments to have a happily shared life with another person.
4. Dating Around
When someone is looking to get married, they want to spend their entire life with you and only you. With 37% of millennials saying they are casually dating or maintaining a friends-with-benefits relationship, many are not looking to be anchored down with just one person.
Focusing solely on casual dating and avoiding exclusivity can be a major roadblock to a wedding. If you’re not open to the idea of a committed relationship, you likely won’t reach the level of depth required for marriage.
5. Ignoring Red Flags
Certain red flags shouldn’t be overlooked or ignored. After all, these problematic behaviors are often signs the relationship will never lead to marriage. Do not ignore these issues hoping they’ll disappear once you’re married. You’re likely in for a rude awakening.
6. Being Overly Critical
Have you ever swiped left on a potential suitor because they were too short? How about dismissing someone because they had bad teeth? Constant criticism can wear down the foundation of any relationship. You need to be open to all your partner’s quirks, whether in appearance or personality, for relationship longevity.
7. Rushing Into Things
Moving too quickly in relationships can scare off potential life partners. You don’t have to move in with each other, walk down the aisle, and start having kids right away. Take your time!
While it’s important to be open about your intentions, pushing for commitment prematurely can put undue pressure on your partner. Give your relationship the time it needs to develop naturally at a pace comfortable for both of you.
8. Lacking Self-Awareness
Reality check. You’re definitely not as perfect and flawless as you may believe yourself to be. Not understanding or acknowledging your flaws can hinder personal growth and relationship success. Partners who are marriage material often seek someone who is self-aware and willing to admit when they’re wrong.
9. Avoiding Conflict Entirely
Even if you’re the happiest couple in the world, chances are you’ll end up getting into an argument at some point. Believing that a healthy relationship means never arguing can lead to suppressed feelings and resentment.
Conflict, when handled correctly, can strengthen bonds and improve understanding. Learning to navigate disagreements constructively is important for any marriage.
10. Living in the Past
Are you still texting your ex? This is a big sign you’ll never get him or her to pop the question and that you won’t be putting on that wedding dress or tuxedo.
Holding onto past relationships or comparing current partners to former ones can prevent you from fully committing to someone new. It’s important to learn from the past without letting it dictate your current happiness or relationship decisions.
11. Failing to Make Future Plans
Embrace your inner psychic and look into your crystal ball to see far into the future. If you never discuss what you’re seeing with your partner, it might signal to them that you don’t think you have a future together.
Partners looking for marriage want to know that you envision a life together. You need to plan and discuss your future plans together, whether it’s buying a house or having children.
12. Neglecting Personal Growth
Everybody has room to grow and become the best versions of themselves. People don’t want to get hitched to someone who neglects their personal and professional development.
Ultimately, this makes them significantly less attractive as a long-term partner. We should always be growing, learning, and advancing in our lives. By doing so, we become more appealing and seem ready for the commitments necessary in a successful marriage.
Walk Down the Aisle
If you’re worried that you’re living in a way that will never lead to marriage, and that’s a goal for the future, then start by taking a look in the mirror. An honest self-assessment could help you identify why your partner hasn’t proposed quite yet.
Of course, there are a million other reasons why people never get married. All you can do is control and modify these behaviors that are hurting your relationship and your chances for a beautiful marriage in the future.
Read More:
13 Clues That Your Marriage Is Headed For Divorce
10 Items You Must Include In Your Marriage Emergency Kit
Alyssa Serio has been a writer and editor since graduating from Aurora University in 2014. In her free time, she loves reading, playing volleyball, and watching any horror movie (even the bad ones) with her husband.