{"id":647,"date":"2020-07-24T15:11:47","date_gmt":"2020-07-24T19:11:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.randywithers.com\/?p=647---271ce54f-9db2-45c2-84de-4aaba9f7230b"},"modified":"2022-02-21T23:17:22","modified_gmt":"2022-02-22T04:17:22","slug":"how-to-ruin-a-great-relationship","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/how-to-ruin-a-great-relationship\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Ruin a Great Relationship in 8 Easy Steps"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/how-to-ruin-a-great-relationship\/#Step_1_Make_him_responsible_for_the_sins_of_others\" title=\"Step 1: Make him responsible for the sins of&nbsp;others\">Step 1: Make him responsible for the sins of&nbsp;others<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/how-to-ruin-a-great-relationship\/#Step_2_Keep_it_in\" title=\"Step 2: Keep it in.\">Step 2: Keep it in.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/how-to-ruin-a-great-relationship\/#Step_3_Violate_boundaries\" title=\"Step 3: Violate boundaries\">Step 3: Violate boundaries<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/how-to-ruin-a-great-relationship\/#Step_4_Never_ever_apologize\" title=\"Step 4: Never, ever apologize.\">Step 4: Never, ever apologize.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/how-to-ruin-a-great-relationship\/#Step_5_Bow_to_confirmation_bias\" title=\"Step 5: Bow to confirmation bias\">Step 5: Bow to confirmation bias<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/how-to-ruin-a-great-relationship\/#Step_6_Make_assumptions\" title=\"Step 6: Make assumptions\">Step 6: Make assumptions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/how-to-ruin-a-great-relationship\/#Step_7_Hold_court_with_your_friends\" title=\"Step 7: Hold court with your friends\">Step 7: Hold court with your friends<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/how-to-ruin-a-great-relationship\/#8_Make_decisions_while_drinking\" title=\"8: Make decisions while drinking.\">8: Make decisions while drinking.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/how-to-ruin-a-great-relationship\/#Conclusion\" title=\"Conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p class=\"graf graf--p graf--hasDropCapModel graf--hasDropCap graf-after--figure\"><span class=\"markup--quote markup--p-quote is-me\" data-creator-ids=\"36ad96795350\">Do you attract creeps, control freaks, abusive alcoholics, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/how-to-gray-rock-method-a-narcissist\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\">narcissists<\/a>?&nbsp;<\/span>Have you had to secure at least one restraining order because you broke up with some lunatic who had his mom text you that he was going to commit suicide unless you took him back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"graf graf--p graf-after--p\">Would you like to learn <strong>how to ruin a great relationship<\/strong>?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"graf graf--p graf-after--p\"><span class=\"markup--quote markup--p-quote is-other\" data-creator-ids=\"f27931204a05 e69ead5cbf37\">Before we get into it, let&#8217;s begin with a few questions: do you have train wrecks in your life? Are train wrecks your spirit animal? Are train wrecks your <em class=\"markup--em markup--p-em\">jam?<\/em><\/span> Perhaps a part of you likes the fact that you\u2019re just so much better than these fools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/How-To-Ruin-A-Relationship-In-8-Easy-Steps.jpg\" alt=\"How To Ruin A Relationship In 8 Easy Steps\" class=\"wp-image-34265 lazyload\" width=\"400\" height=\"600\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/How-To-Ruin-A-Relationship-In-8-Easy-Steps.jpg\" alt=\"How To Ruin A Relationship In 8 Easy Steps\" class=\"wp-image-34265 lazyload\" width=\"400\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/How-To-Ruin-A-Relationship-In-8-Easy-Steps.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/How-To-Ruin-A-Relationship-In-8-Easy-Steps-83x125.jpg 83w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/How-To-Ruin-A-Relationship-In-8-Easy-Steps-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/How-To-Ruin-A-Relationship-In-8-Easy-Steps-150x225.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/How-To-Ruin-A-Relationship-In-8-Easy-Steps-768x1152.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption>How To Ruin a Great Relationship in 8 Easy Steps<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"graf graf--p graf-after--p\"><span class=\"markup--quote markup--p-quote is-other\" data-creator-ids=\"4a385a66e662 606e3b408a05 f27931204a05\">These guys satisfy your need to be in control while reinforcing your poor sense of self-worth. <\/span>So, when a Good Man randomly makes his way into the pockmarked minefield that is your love life,&nbsp;<span class=\"markup--quote markup--p-quote is-other\" data-creator-ids=\"f27931204a05\">it\u2019s only natural that you\u2019d burn any chance of happiness to the ground.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"graf graf--p graf-after--p\"><span class=\"markup--quote markup--p-quote is-other\" data-creator-ids=\"f27931204a05\">Why? Because he\u2019s mentally healthy, and that freaks you out. Because he\u2019s kind, so he must have an agenda. Because he\u2019s patient, so that must mean he\u2019s judging you. Because he\u2019s good in bed, so that must mean he\u2019s sleeping around. Because good men don\u2019t actually exist.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span class=\"markup--quote markup--blockquote-quote is-me is-other\" data-creator-ids=\"2f3a0be5d67e 36ad96795350\">If concepts like \u201ccontentment\u201d or \u201chappiness\u201d make you want to heave, then here are 8 sure-fire steps to ensure that you drive the good ones away, and continue to attract the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/signs-of-an-emotionally-abusive-relationship\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\">dumpster fires<\/a> you\u2019re more comfortable dating.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/23-1.jpg\" alt=\"How To Ruin A Relationship In 8 Easy Steps - make him responsible for the sins of others\" class=\"wp-image-34254 lazyload\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/23-1.jpg\" alt=\"How To Ruin A Relationship In 8 Easy Steps - make him responsible for the sins of others\" class=\"wp-image-34254 lazyload\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/23-1.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/23-1-188x125.jpg 188w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/23-1-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/23-1-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption>Courtesy, Canva.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center graf graf--h4 graf-after--blockquote wp-block-heading\" id=\"ed9d\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_1_Make_him_responsible_for_the_sins_of_others\"><\/span>Step 1: Make him responsible for the sins of&nbsp;others<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"graf graf--p graf-after--h4\"><span class=\"markup--quote markup--p-quote is-other\" data-creator-ids=\"80ba18c13b06 f27931204a05\">One of the most effective ways to ruin a great relationship is to compare it to all the terrible ones you\u2019ve had. By doing so, you get to use your own <a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/distorted-thinking-and-cognitive-distortions\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\">confirmation bias<\/a> to perpetuate the false narrative that All Men Are Jerks. <\/span>fr<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You know that alcoholic man-child who moved in with you after three weeks? You know, the guy who berated you in public and called you a c-nt? See, he was pretty bad, and he had a penis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So the Good Man you\u2019re dating now is not actually a Good Man, because he had a drink that one time you went to a bar together. Also, he\u2019s got a penis too. So they\u2019re basically the same person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/31-2.jpg\" alt=\"How To Ruin A Relationship In 8 Easy Steps - keep it in\" class=\"wp-image-34262 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/31-2.jpg\" alt=\"How To Ruin A Relationship In 8 Easy Steps - keep it in\" class=\"wp-image-34262 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/31-2.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/31-2-188x125.jpg 188w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/31-2-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/31-2-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption>Courtesy, Canva.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center graf graf--h4 graf-after--blockquote wp-block-heading\" id=\"26ed\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_2_Keep_it_in\"><\/span>Step 2: Keep it in.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"graf graf--p graf-after--h4\"><span class=\"markup--quote markup--p-quote is-other\" data-creator-ids=\"80ba18c13b06 4a385a66e662\">If there\u2019s one thing all your terrible <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" data-wpil=\"url\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/category\/relationships\/\" title=\"relationships\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\">relationships<\/a> have taught you,&nbsp;it\u2019s that you should never, ever express your feelings.<\/span>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"graf graf--p graf-after--h4\">This is because unhealthy people in unhealthy relationships will use your feelings as a weapon. If you present yourself as vulnerable, in any way, you are basically saying that it is open season on all of your darkest fears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"graf graf--p graf-after--p\"><span class=\"markup--quote markup--p-quote is-other\" data-creator-ids=\"f27931204a05 bb67f72f670e\">A Good Man actually&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"markup--quote markup--p-quote is-other\" data-creator-ids=\"f27931204a05 bb67f72f670e\"><em class=\"markup--em markup--p-em\">wants&nbsp;<\/em><\/span><span class=\"markup--quote markup--p-quote is-other\" data-creator-ids=\"f27931204a05 bb67f72f670e\">you to talk to him. If he\u2019s doing something wrong, he actually&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"markup--quote markup--p-quote is-other\" data-creator-ids=\"f27931204a05 bb67f72f670e\"><em class=\"markup--em markup--p-em\">wants&nbsp;<\/em><\/span><span class=\"markup--quote markup--p-quote is-other\" data-creator-ids=\"f27931204a05 bb67f72f670e\">feedback. He is naturally inclined to please you. Who wants that garbage?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pro tip:&nbsp;<span class=\"markup--quote markup--blockquote-quote is-other\" data-creator-ids=\"f9c18339d80e\">If you really want to sandbag a perfectly healthy relationship, keep your concerns to yourself. Let them fester. Let them turn into resentment. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span class=\"markup--quote markup--blockquote-quote is-other\" data-creator-ids=\"f9c18339d80e\">That way, by the time you finally blow up at him because of some perceived slight that has no actual basis in reality, then you\u2019ll have excellent justification for when you drop him like third period French.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/28-2.jpg\" alt=\"How To Ruin A Relationship In 8 Easy Steps - violate boundaries\" class=\"wp-image-34259 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/28-2.jpg\" alt=\"How To Ruin A Relationship In 8 Easy Steps - violate boundaries\" class=\"wp-image-34259 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/28-2.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/28-2-188x125.jpg 188w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/28-2-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/28-2-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption>Courtesy, Canva.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center graf graf--p graf-after--blockquote wp-block-heading\" id=\"7bd4\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_3_Violate_boundaries\"><\/span>Step 3: Violate boundaries<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"graf graf--p graf-after--p\">In a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/toxic-relationship-traits\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\">toxic relationship,<\/a> problems always always always come down to two things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"graf graf--p graf-after--p\">First,&nbsp;<span class=\"markup--quote markup--p-quote is-other\" data-creator-ids=\"80ba18c13b06\">ineffective communication.<\/span>&nbsp;This can be a bit complicated, so here are some examples with which you are no doubt familiar. Talking indirectly about a problem. Talking at someone.&nbsp;<span class=\"markup--quote markup--p-quote is-other\" data-creator-ids=\"48ad9fd56535\">Using text messages to convey sensitive information<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"graf graf--p graf-after--p\">Sarcasm, passive-aggressive barbs,&nbsp;<span class=\"markup--quote markup--p-quote is-other\" data-creator-ids=\"48ad9fd56535\">anger masquerading as teasing<\/span>, or my personal favorite \u2014 not saying anything at all!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"graf graf--p graf-after--p\"><span class=\"markup--quote markup--p-quote is-other\" data-creator-ids=\"1db98aaff1ee\">Second,&nbsp;boundary violations.&nbsp;Invariably, people who have a pattern of unhealthy relationships are all about enmeshment and drama.&nbsp;They crave it. It\u2019s like a drug for them.&nbsp;They either create the drama themselves, or they put themselves in situations where drama will ensue.<\/span>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"graf graf--p graf-after--p\">If you want to avoid Good Men and the chance of, say, a good friendship that could even lead to a healthy marriage with kids and schools and mutual funds and all that crap, then keep doing this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The takeaway from this step is this: if you want to ensure that your relationships are unsatisfying, shitty, and\/or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/signs-of-an-emotionally-abusive-relationship\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\">possibly abusive<\/a>, then definitely use unhealthy communication styles, and set poorly maintained boundaries. Works like a charm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"graf graf--p graf-after--blockquote\"><span class=\"markup--quote markup--p-quote is-other\" data-creator-ids=\"7cebb73fccaf f27931204a05 anon bb67f72f670e df828ce45350\">This will also drive a Good Man away because screw that insanity. Why *<em class=\"markup--em markup--p-em\">in the world<\/em>* would you want to be with a man who actually cares about what you have to say? Why would you want a man who is willing to learn from his mistakes? <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"graf graf--p graf-after--blockquote\"><span class=\"markup--quote markup--p-quote is-other\" data-creator-ids=\"7cebb73fccaf f27931204a05 anon bb67f72f670e df828ce45350\">Why would you want a man who is willing to say he\u2019s sorry?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/22-2.jpg\" alt=\"How To Ruin A Relationship In 8 Easy Steps - never apologize\" class=\"wp-image-34253 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/22-2.jpg\" alt=\"How To Ruin A Relationship In 8 Easy Steps - never apologize\" class=\"wp-image-34253 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/22-2.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/22-2-188x125.jpg 188w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/22-2-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/22-2-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption>Courtesy, Canva.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center graf graf--p graf-after--p wp-block-heading\" id=\"d98c\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_4_Never_ever_apologize\"><\/span>Step 4: Never, ever apologize.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span class=\"markup--quote markup--blockquote-quote is-other\" data-creator-ids=\"f9c18339d80e\">In the 1970 movie <\/span><span class=\"markup--quote markup--blockquote-quote is-other\" data-creator-ids=\"f9c18339d80e\"><em class=\"markup--em markup--blockquote-em\">Love Story,<\/em><\/span><span class=\"markup--quote markup--blockquote-quote is-other\" data-creator-ids=\"f9c18339d80e\">&nbsp;Ali MacGraw\u2019s character says \u201cLove means never having to say you\u2019re sorry\u201d after her boyfriend gets pissed off and later apologizes for it.&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"markup--quote markup--blockquote-quote is-other\" data-creator-ids=\"f9c18339d80e 5fb9ce60cdd8 6970e16818fd\">This is, arguably, the stupidest line of movie dialogue&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"markup--quote markup--blockquote-quote is-other\" data-creator-ids=\"f9c18339d80e 6970e16818fd\">to ever poison the national zeitgeist.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span class=\"markup--quote markup--blockquote-quote is-other\" data-creator-ids=\"bb67f72f670e 80ba18c13b06\">Of <em>course <\/em>you have to say you\u2019re sorry in a healthy relationship! Of <em>course <\/em>you do!&nbsp;What kind of crazy pills were these screenwriters eating? <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"graf graf--p graf-after--p\"><span class=\"markup--quote markup--p-quote is-other\" data-creator-ids=\"4a385a66e662\">If you never apologize, your relationships will continue to suck.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"graf graf--p graf-after--p\"><span class=\"markup--quote markup--p-quote is-other\" data-creator-ids=\"80ba18c13b06 f9c18339d80e\">In healthy relationships, people make mistakes. And when they do, they take responsibility for those mistakes. This is called \u201cBeing an Adult.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"graf graf--p graf-after--p\">If you like Bad Men, then avoid taking responsibility for anything, ever, at all costs. People who take responsibility have \u201cself-awareness\u201d and \u201cinsight\u201d and recognize that relationships are partnerships and that no side is ever 100% at fault.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center graf graf--p graf-after--p wp-block-heading\" id=\"6d3f\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_5_Bow_to_confirmation_bias\"><\/span>Step 5: Bow to confirmation bias<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/23-1.jpg\" alt=\"How To Ruin A Relationship In 8 Easy Steps - cherry pick\" class=\"wp-image-34254 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/23-1.jpg\" alt=\"How To Ruin A Relationship In 8 Easy Steps - cherry pick\" class=\"wp-image-34254 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/23-1.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/23-1-188x125.jpg 188w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/23-1-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/23-1-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption>Courtesy, Canva.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"graf graf--p graf-after--p\"><span class=\"markup--quote markup--p-quote is-other\" data-creator-ids=\"10a236be5686\">If you want to ruin a relationship<\/span>, you\u2019ll need to step up your game with confirmation bias.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"graf graf--p graf-after--p\">Don\u2019t know what that is? Here\u2019s an Official Definition from <a aria-label=\"Psychology Today (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.psychologytoday.com\/blog\/science-choice\/201504\/what-is-confirmation-bias\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Psychology Today<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote graf graf--blockquote graf-after--p is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p><strong>Confirmation bias<\/strong> occurs from the direct influence of desire on beliefs.&nbsp;<span class=\"markup--quote markup--blockquote-quote is-other\" data-creator-ids=\"b39265bfce60 10a236be5686\">When people would like a certain idea\/concept to be true, they end up believing it to be true. They are motivated by wishful thinking.&nbsp;This error leads the individual to stop gathering information when the evidence gathered so far confirms the views (prejudices) one would like to be true.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>This is something people who come from dysfunctional backgrounds do all the time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They get an idea in their head and it festers for so long that it becomes real. Doesn&#8217;t matter if it&#8217;s true or not. If you bow to confirmation bias, you look for things that reinforce your belief and ignore the things that don&#8217;t.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Jealousy is a great example. If you look hard enough in any relationship, you <em>will <\/em>find <em>something <\/em>to get jealous about. Whether the jealousy is legit is beside the point. If you believe it, it must be true right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/30-2.jpg\" alt=\"How To Ruin A Relationship In 8 Easy Steps - make assumptions\" class=\"wp-image-34261 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/30-2.jpg\" alt=\"How To Ruin A Relationship In 8 Easy Steps - make assumptions\" class=\"wp-image-34261 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/30-2.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/30-2-188x125.jpg 188w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/30-2-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/30-2-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption>Courtesy, Canva.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center graf graf--p graf-after--p wp-block-heading\" id=\"7484\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_6_Make_assumptions\"><\/span>Step 6: Make assumptions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"graf graf--p graf-after--p\">The beauty of all these steps is how seamlessly they intertwine. Step 6 is no different. And the good news is, if you have a history of trashing great relationships for no legitimate reason, you\u2019ve probably already mastered it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"graf graf--p graf-after--p\">An assumption is a guess. It\u2019s a conjecture, extrapolation, hypothesis. It\u2019s a thing that is accepted as true, without any actual evidence.&nbsp;<strong class=\"markup--strong markup--p-strong\">Assumptions are bad.<\/strong>&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/distorted-thinking-and-cognitive-distortions\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Humans are terrible at making them<\/a>, and we are almost always wrong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"graf graf--p graf-after--p\"><span class=\"markup--quote markup--p-quote is-other\" data-creator-ids=\"dbe2cef696f1\">Remember \u2014 the purpose here is not to learn how to enjoy a healthy relationship. The purpose here is to stay in terrible ones, so you can be a victim and remain morally superior without ever having to accept <a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/how-to-live-a-better-life\/\">personal responsibility<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"graf graf--p graf-after--p\"><span class=\"markup--quote markup--p-quote is-other\" data-creator-ids=\"10a236be5686\">When we assume that a Good Man is just a Bad Man waiting to happen, we tend to look for ways to make it true. See the previous discussion about confirmation bias.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"graf graf--p graf-after--p\">When we assume that a Good Man\u2019s mistake is just indicative of who he is, we won\u2019t even bother to give him a chance to fix it, and we\u2019ll likely just drop him because men are pigs and they never change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span class=\"markup--quote markup--blockquote-quote is-other\" data-creator-ids=\"18c1bf96b5d2 48ad9fd56535 anon 8b27e189246 22f4ccb21a3d\">When you assume, you make a one-sided decision without the hassle of communication or compromise.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/24-2.jpg\" alt=\"How To Ruin A Relationship In 8 Easy Steps -hold court with your friends\" class=\"wp-image-34255 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/24-2.jpg\" alt=\"How To Ruin A Relationship In 8 Easy Steps -hold court with your friends\" class=\"wp-image-34255 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/24-2.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/24-2-188x125.jpg 188w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/24-2-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/24-2-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption>Courtesy, Canva.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center graf graf--p graf-after--blockquote wp-block-heading\" id=\"dcb2\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_7_Hold_court_with_your_friends\"><\/span>Step 7: Hold court with your friends<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"graf graf--p graf-after--p\">In mature, healthy relationships, it\u2019s never a good idea to involve your catty, maladjusted friends. They secretly think you\u2019re pathetic, so when you do this, it just reinforces that notion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Women who live and breathe dysfunction like to get together and hold court\u200a\u2014\u200ausually on new relationships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What\u2019s awesome about these gatherings is that&nbsp;<span class=\"markup--quote markup--blockquote-quote is-other\" data-creator-ids=\"48ad9fd56535\">they\u2019re only going on your perception of the \u201cproblem,\u201d which naturally you will embellish<\/span>, because it\u2019s up to you to hold their attention by really&nbsp;<em class=\"markup--em markup--blockquote-em\">selling&nbsp;<\/em>how terrible the in-no-way terrible relationship yours actually is. You know\u200a\u2014\u200afor sympathy!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"graf graf--p graf-after--blockquote\"><span class=\"markup--quote markup--p-quote is-other\" data-creator-ids=\"48ad9fd56535 bb67f72f670e\">But reality isn\u2019t important right now. Your friends\u2019 callous, uninformed opinions are what matters.<\/span><span class=\"markup--quote markup--p-quote is-other\" data-creator-ids=\"bb67f72f670e\">&nbsp;And your victim\u2019s mentality. Don\u2019t forget that one.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"graf graf--p graf-after--p\">So all your friends get together, and they put your new relationship on trial, because maybe their own relationships are terrible and unfulfilling, and it gives them satisfaction to tear yours apart. And besides, you\u2019ve <a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/how-to-deal-with-narcissistic-rage\/\">dated some real sleaze bags<\/a> in the past, so they\u2019ve gotten pretty good at this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"graf graf--p graf-after--p\">Except no, their advice and analysis sucks. There are at least four reasons why:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"graf graf--p graf-after--p\">First, they\u2019re not just holding court on your Good Man. Their holding court on every relationship you\u2019ve ever had. And every relationship they\u2019ve ever had, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"graf graf--p graf-after--p\">And because they\u2019ve never met your Good Man, they get to make wild assumptions (there\u2019s that word again) that actually have no basis in reality. But you don\u2019t care. Your sisters have your back, and that\u2019s all that matters. Even if their analysis is laughably&nbsp;<span class=\"markup--quote markup--p-quote is-other\" data-creator-ids=\"b68e90fdcb2e\">incorrect<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"graf graf--p graf-after--p\">Second, advice *always* sucks.&nbsp;<span class=\"markup--quote markup--p-quote is-other\" data-creator-ids=\"aa06300680f\">In <a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/questions-to-ask-your-therapist\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\">professional counseling<\/a>, advice is considered unethical, because advice hinges on the idea that people are too dumb to figure things out on their own.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"graf graf--p graf-after--p\">Consider this quote:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote graf graf--pullquote graf--startsWithDoubleQuote graf-after--p is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p><span class=\"markup--quote markup--pullquote-quote is-other\" data-creator-ids=\"e69ead5cbf37 18c1bf96b5d2 80ba18c13b06\">The problem with advice is that the advisor seldom understands the full implications of the problem.&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"markup--quote markup--pullquote-quote is-other\" data-creator-ids=\"e69ead5cbf37 18c1bf96b5d2 80ba18c13b06 8b27e189246\">When people share their concerns with us, they often display only the \u201ctip of the iceberg.\u201d<\/span><span class=\"markup--quote markup--pullquote-quote is-other\" data-creator-ids=\"e69ead5cbf37 18c1bf96b5d2 80ba18c13b06\"> The advisor is unaware of the complexities, feelings, and the many other factors that lie hidden beneath the surface.\u201d<\/span><span class=\"markup--quote markup--pullquote-quote is-other\" data-creator-ids=\"e69ead5cbf37 18c1bf96b5d2 80ba18c13b06\"><em>\u2014\u200aRobert Bolton<\/em><\/span><span class=\"markup--quote markup--pullquote-quote is-other\" data-creator-ids=\"e69ead5cbf37 18c1bf96b5d2 80ba18c13b06\">, <\/span><span class=\"markup--quote markup--pullquote-quote is-other\" data-creator-ids=\"e69ead5cbf37 18c1bf96b5d2 80ba18c13b06\"><em class=\"markup--em markup--pullquote-em\">People&nbsp;Skills<\/em><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"graf graf--p graf-after--pullquote\">People who give advice \u2014 especially relationship advice \u2014 inherently believe that they immediately know the solution to a problem that has heretofore confounded you. Don\u2019t believe them. They never, ever do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"graf graf--p graf-after--p\">Third, there\u2019s this thing called \u201cGroup Think,\u201d which basically says that the more people who are involved in a decision, the more idiotic the decision will be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"graf graf--p graf-after--p\">Fourth, talking a bunch of crap about your new boyfriend is something a 16-year-old does.&nbsp;<span class=\"markup--quote markup--p-quote is-other\" data-creator-ids=\"b39265bfce60\">Grown, mature women talk&nbsp;to&nbsp;the man in their life. They work together towards a resolution. That\u2019s what makes healthy relationships.<\/span>&nbsp;If you\u2019re the one acting like a 10th grader, then maybe it\u2019s not your Man who\u2019s the problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/25-2.jpg\" alt=\"How To Ruin A Relationship In 8 Easy Steps - make decisions while drinking\" class=\"wp-image-34256 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/25-2.jpg\" alt=\"How To Ruin A Relationship In 8 Easy Steps - make decisions while drinking\" class=\"wp-image-34256 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/25-2.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/25-2-188x125.jpg 188w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/25-2-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/25-2-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption>Courtesy, Canva.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center graf graf--p graf-after--p wp-block-heading\" id=\"abc8\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_Make_decisions_while_drinking\"><\/span>8: Make decisions while drinking.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"graf graf--p graf-after--p\">This one\u2019s pretty straightforward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"graf graf--p graf-after--p\">Drinking is just the best. Calms the nerves, releases inhibition, and subverts critical thinking. Always make decisions while drinking. If you can, always make important relationship decisions while drunk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"graf graf--p graf-after--p\">Get together with your catty friends, knock back some wine, and spend a few hours sifting through every single conversation, intimate moment, and phone exchange you\u2019ve ever had.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"graf graf--p graf-after--p\"><span class=\"markup--quote markup--p-quote is-other\" data-creator-ids=\"bb67f72f670e\">Make sure to leave out all the ones that were really just wonderful, quiet moments where the two of you really connected \u2014 those will just get in the way.<\/span>&nbsp;No, make sure you focus on the minutia. He won\u2019t be there to defend himself, so you can\u2019t fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The bottom line is this: things just make more&nbsp;<em class=\"markup--em markup--blockquote-em\">sense&nbsp;<\/em>when you\u2019re drinking. The details are just so clear. Nobody has ever gone wrong poisoning their bloodstream with a toxic chemical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/26-2.jpg\" alt=\"How To Ruin A Relationship In 8 Easy Steps - the end of a relationship\" class=\"wp-image-34257 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/26-2.jpg\" alt=\"How To Ruin A Relationship In 8 Easy Steps - the end of a relationship\" class=\"wp-image-34257 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/26-2.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/26-2-188x125.jpg 188w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/26-2-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/26-2-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption>Courtesy, Canva.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\" id=\"conclusion\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"graf graf--p graf-after--p\">If you follow these steps, you will never have to endure a healthy, mutually beneficial, mature relationship. You\u2019ll never have to experience the burden of effective communication. You\u2019ll never have to deal with the angst of proper social and emotional boundaries. You\u2019ll never have to rely on \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/active-listening-skills\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\">direct conversation<\/a>\u201d to make your point.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"graf graf--p graf-after--p\"><span class=\"markup--quote markup--p-quote is-other\" data-creator-ids=\"e69ead5cbf37\">And you\u2019ll always have friends to remind you that you\u2019re a victim.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"graf graf--p graf-after--p\">That way, you\u2019ll be able to continue dating jerks with reckless abandon. No more ridiculous kindness, empathy, or respect. No more of this \u201cyour needs getting met\u201d nonsense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"graf graf--p graf-after--p graf--trailing\"><span class=\"markup--quote markup--p-quote is-other\" data-creator-ids=\"48ad9fd56535\">The beauty is, you don\u2019t even need to use all eight. Any one of these will do the job just fine.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-uagb-section uagb-section__wrap uagb-section__background-color uagb-block-540ad93d\"><div class=\"uagb-section__overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"uagb-section__inner-wrap\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-call-to-action uagb-block-73105e3b wp-block-button\"><div class=\"uagb-cta__wrap\"><h5 class=\"uagb-cta__title\">Private Practice  with No Overhead and No Shortage of Clients.<br><\/h5><p class=\"uagb-cta__desc\">Join\u00a0the more than 34,000 full and part-time therapists who are earning more with BetterHelp! Supplement your income, or build your own practice from scratch. Bonuses &amp; Incentives for High Performers! <strong>Sponsored Advertisement<\/strong><\/p><\/div><div class=\"uagb-cta__buttons\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hasofferstracking.betterhelp.com\/aff_c?offer_id=20&amp;aff_id=1614\" class=\"uagb-cta__button-link-wrapper wp-block-button__link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Join BetterHelp<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Whatever you do, avoid these 8 toxic relationship behaviors &#8211; unless you want to ruin yours.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":34263,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","ub_ctt_via":"","_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"no","footnotes":""},"categories":[797],"tags":[17,52,809],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/how-to-ruin-a-great-relationship-in-8-easy-steps.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Randy Withers, LCMHC","author_link":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/author\/randy-withers\/"},"modified_by":"Randy Withers, LCMHC","uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/how-to-ruin-a-great-relationship-in-8-easy-steps.jpg",800,450,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/how-to-ruin-a-great-relationship-in-8-easy-steps-150x84.jpg",150,84,true],"medium":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/how-to-ruin-a-great-relationship-in-8-easy-steps-200x113.jpg",200,113,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/how-to-ruin-a-great-relationship-in-8-easy-steps-768x432.jpg",768,432,true],"large":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/how-to-ruin-a-great-relationship-in-8-easy-steps-400x225.jpg",400,225,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/how-to-ruin-a-great-relationship-in-8-easy-steps.jpg",800,450,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/how-to-ruin-a-great-relationship-in-8-easy-steps.jpg",800,450,false],"tiny":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/how-to-ruin-a-great-relationship-in-8-easy-steps.jpg",60,34,false],"thumbnail-medium":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/how-to-ruin-a-great-relationship-in-8-easy-steps.jpg",480,270,false],"thumbnail-square":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/how-to-ruin-a-great-relationship-in-8-easy-steps.jpg",480,270,false],"thumbnail-portrait":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/how-to-ruin-a-great-relationship-in-8-easy-steps.jpg",480,270,false],"thumbnail-large":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/how-to-ruin-a-great-relationship-in-8-easy-steps.jpg",720,405,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Randy Withers, LCMHC","author_link":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/author\/randy-withers\/"},"uagb_comment_info":6,"uagb_excerpt":"Whatever you do, avoid these 8 toxic relationship behaviors - unless you want to ruin yours.","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/647"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=647"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/647\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/34263"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=647"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=647"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=647"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}