Based on Hollywood depictions, cheating seems like the absolute worst thing to happen to a couple. But are there things that are more destructive to a relationship?
Redditor laterdude asked the Internet that very question, and answers ranged from eye-opening to downright depressing.
The most up-voted response was "lying and hiding things," and one Redditor explained that they "hid some drinking from my ex-wife because she had a dad that died from alcoholism. She hid smoking from me because I had a mother that smoked constantly during pregnancy and after, and most likely caused my respiratory issues. Our reasons for lying were both to protect the other, but both caused relationship problems instead."
Wastingtigers added, "I found out my ex had been lying to me for the entire relationship about multiple major issues. It makes you feel like you were tricked into loving someone."
Though some think cheating is worse than lying, a one-time indiscretion and habitual dishonesty can destroy a relationship in very different ways.
Redditor Darth_Corleone said one thing worse than cheating is "Withholding affection. Some people need it. Others don't function well without it."
In response, AvatarNuktuk pointed to the five love languages (a theory that people feel most-loved through one of five different expressions of affection), and that some people simply need physical affection:
Everyone has a "love language." My girlfriend likes me to touch her in some way, so I'm always fine with her draping across my body, or touching my back.. The little things. It's super endearing. My love language is different. I don't need to be touched or kissed, just tell me I'm useful sometimes and just hang out with me.
Redditor Samlamb80 got a little too real and said that "cell phone addiction" is a relationship killer. Nopenotyou explained how important staying away from phones can be for relationship success:
Those tiny computers can be so helpful, but two hour car rides with very little response from your SO because they're too busy on Facebook can become intensely frustrating, to say the least.
It's not as if cheating wouldn't hurt your relationship, but these Redditors proce that there are many ways to doom a relationship and break hearts. To keep things sweet on the romance front, be honest, give hugs, and put your phone away.
