16 Why there are dirty clothes—everywhere.
Your partner throwing their clothing all over the place makes the house look untidy, but it’s more than that. To you, when they leave their dirty underwear on the floor for you to pick up after, they’re sending the message that your time is less valuable than theirs, and that they expect you to clean up after them (even if they don’t mean to).
“Make sure you and your partner understand each other’s points of view before beginning to solve the problem,” says Tessina. “This does not mean that you agree with each other—just that you understand each other.” In this case, explain to your partner that, when they throw their clothes on the floor, they’re basically telling you that you’re their maid, and you don’t appreciate being treated that way.
17 The phone is always out at dinner.
Electronics are the third wheel in many relationships, and their constant presence can make a spouse feel ignored and neglected. “I’ve seen couples fight over spending too much time online texting or on the phone,” says Tessina, “but fighting will not get the job done. It’s better to come up with a solution that works for just the two of you, ignoring anyone else’s needs.” And for date night ideas sans devices, try these 20 Genius Ways to Kill Time without a Smartphone.
