Relationships can be tough. Not only are you constantly trying to figure out your own life, but you’re also constantly trying to also make sure your partner is happy — which can sometimes be a pretty thankless job, leaving you wondering if your partner is truly reciprocating all the love!

There has been many a day in my own 10+ year relationship that I have been ready to pack it in and call it quits. Bye, Bye, see you in another life! But when you’ve been with someone for so long, it’s very difficult to walk away and not feel a large gap in your life.

Believe me, I should know. At one point it got so bad I tried to leave.

How I Learned To Not Sweat The Small Stuff

Because we shared two beautiful boys quickly growing into little men, and missed having a family, my partner and I ended up getting back together after almost a year, and have been that way ever since. This is not to say that we don’t still have our knock down drag outs, and it’s definitely not to say we haven’t both made our share of mistakes. But we made a choice to forgive each other and try to work it out, even if we end up coming to blows!

In making this journey with my guy, I have learned a few key things in regards to what makes relationships run smoothly, and what throws mile high roadblocks in your way. One of the biggest issues is allowing yourself to get worked up over every single little thing.

Don’t Let the Little Things About Your Partner Get You Down

Maybe you hate the way he throws his dirty clothes in a path down the hallway on his way to the shower. Or maybe you hate the way she seems to disapprove of every friend you’ve ever had. Regardless, you need to find some perspective. It can be difficult if you allow a lifetime of little things to build up inside you, constantly letting them steal your peace. Relationships are a bit of an art; you need to find a way to see the bigger picture, and choose your battles.

Don’t sweat the small stuff, because in the larger scheme of things, is it really so bad to sweep a mountain of hair out of the bathroom each week because your partner sheds like a hairy mammoth? Or that you have to order takeout a couple nights a week because your partner’s culinary creations are reminiscent of eating charcoal for dinner?

In the larger scheme of things, NO! these things don’t and will never matter. Life and love are meant to be enjoyed! Relationships need to be built on happiness, not misery. If the little things really, really mean so much to you, then perhaps it’s time for you to move on and allow yourself and your partner to find true happiness.

Life is too short to constantly sweat the small stuff. Let it go, work it out, or move on and start living the life you both deserve. Why would you settle for anything less?

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