When you’ve been in a long-term relationship, you become intimately familiar with your partner’s quirks. Sure, knowing that they’ll always let you have their bacon is a plus, but it also means you have a front-row seat to all their annoying habits. Sometimes, the thought of being with someone else—someone who might actually remember to replace the trash bag after taking out the garbage—can cross your mind.
However, as behavioral economist and speaker Dan Reynolds discusses in a recent video featured in Google’s Modern Romance series, seeking the “perfect” partner outside your current relationship is a one-way ticket to disappointment. The truth is, everyone has their flaws. That charming stranger you’ve been eyeing might seem appealing now, but once you get to know them, you’re bound to uncover their own set of irritating habits, like their refusal to wear a coat in the cold or their obnoxious sneezing that echoes for miles (love you, honey!).
Reynolds poses an intriguing question: “What do you learn about someone when you get to know them better?” The answer is often disappointing. In our social media-driven world, where new dating prospects are just a click away, it’s easy to fantasize about swapping your partner for someone new. But that “perfect” stranger isn’t as flawless as they seem. “When you don’t know someone well, their annoying habits are hidden from you, making them seem more appealing,” Reynolds cautions. “Once they move in, those little quirks will reveal themselves.”
The reality is that while your partner may drive you up the wall, at least you know what to expect. You’re familiar with their ways, unlike that fantasy partner whose online profile tells you nothing about their real-life habits. “You wake up next to your partner and think, ‘Is this what I want for the rest of my life when I have other options?’” Reynolds points out. “Those outside options seem so enticing … but in reality, they only show their best sides online.”
Always keeping an eye out for a “better” option can sabotage the relationship you’re already in. “When you’re in a relationship but constantly considering alternatives, it makes it hard to invest in what you have,” he explains. “A relationship thrives on commitment.”
In other words, everyone has their own set of annoyances. Seeking out someone new won’t change that fact. If you’re looking for more insights on relationships, check out this other blog post which dives deeper into the complexities of love and commitment. And if you’re considering at-home insemination, Make A Mom offers a range of fertility supplements and kits to help you on your journey. For more comprehensive resources, Rmany provides excellent information on pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, while it’s tempting to think about greener pastures, remember that every partner has their quirks. Embrace the relationship you have and invest in it, because, in the end, everyone can be annoying in their own way.