Not Everything Is Worth Breaking Up Over
Even the happiest couples fight over small things. You can nitpick over how your partner loads the dishwasher, taking too long to get ready, or the dreaded leaving dirty dishes in the sink. If you find yourself in constant small arguments over minor things, don’t fret because it’s normal. Here are 20 things all couples nitpick about.
1. Loading the dishwasher
Typically, with most couples, one loads the dishwasher in a way that’s neat and logical, whereas the other loads it as if they are mad at the dishes and half asleep. There may not be only one way to load a dishwasher, but don’t tell that to couples. This is a common fight, and one that will likely continue forever.
2. Setting the Thermostat
Temperature fights plague every couple. One partner is usually freezing while the other complains that it’s slightly too warm. One person will have to give in every time and accept that they will always be too cold or too warm. It’s called love.
3. Taking Forever to Get Ready
The liberal use of “I only need a few minutes to get ready” is basically a declaration of war. With couples, one can usually put on their shoes and be ready to go, whereas the other needs to go through a 20-point inspection.
4. Leaving Dirty Dishes in the Sink
This habit is ripe for nitpicking and can take on different forms. It can be leaving a dirty pot to soak, or a wet towel on the bathroom floor. It comes down to one person being neater than the other, and sometimes results in one having to be more accepting.
5.Texting Etiquette
Taking too long to reply or using emojis incorrectly can drive a wedge between a couple. Instead of having daily debates that start with “why didn’t you answer my text?”, this is one nitpicky item that couples can work together to improve.
6. Not Replacing Toilet Paper
When you live with another person, you need to share all the responsibilities of a household, including the minor tasks. Leaving a bare toilet paper roll is frustrating, especially since the person who used the last square could have easily taken care of it.
7. Being Distracted During Quality Time
Couples who are together for a while can sometimes take quality time for granted. This could mean being on your phone during dinner, or not listening as your partner tells you about their day. Either way, being distracted during quality time is easy to nitpick.
8. Different Grocery Shopping Styles
Everyone grocery shops differently. Some like to make a list and follow it to a tee, while others like to wing it. When you’re shopping for two people, or with another person, couples need to find a middle ground that will result in a successful trip to the grocery store.
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9. Finishing Your Partner’s Sentences
There’s always one person in a couple who likes to “help” their partner finish their sentence. As with any type of interruption, this can be an annoying habit. For some reason, it can be tough to wait for the pause before speaking.
10. Packing for Trips
If you pack light for a trip compared to your partner who overpacks, you’re likely to get into a disagreement over this. It’s usually the light packer who is nitpicking their partner who packs for every situation, even if they're just going to a cottage for a night.
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11. Blanket Hogging
Finding a sleeping groove is a real thing for couples. Sleeping next to an active sleeper who tosses and turns and claims as much blanket as possible is a nightly problem that will lead to fighting and nitpicking the next morning.
12. Speaking Loudly in Public
Loud talkers often draw the ire of their partner, especially when they hit max volume in public. If one person is something of a low talker, then this problem could get cranked to eleven very fast and become a full-blown fight.
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13. Leaving Empty Containers in the Fridge
Is there anything worse than pulling a carton of milk out of the fridge and realizing that it feels too light? Leaving empty beverage and food containers in the fridge is a big no-no for couples.
14. Snoozing the Morning Alarm
If you need to wake up earlier than your partner, you get one alarm, and that’s it. This gives your partner a chance to fall back asleep, something that is impossible when there’s an annoying alarm going off every five minutes.
15. Dredging up Past Mistakes
Constantly reminding your partner about a past mistake is quite common. We’re all human and make mistakes, but throwing past mistakes in your partner’s face is a recipe for daily fights and microaggressions.
16. Forgetting to Use Shared Calendars
Couples that use a shared calendar have a shared responsibility to keep it up-to-date. If one person forgets to add something to the calendar or deletes something without notifying the other, then they risk annoying their partner.
17. The Use of Pet Names
You can’t use a pet name for a partner unless they’re fully on board, and this is especially true for using the pet name in public. Stick to given first names unless you’re both into the idea of pet names and agree on which to give the green light to.
18. Making Unnecessary Purchases
Most couples share their finances, so each is accountable for being responsible for their spending. Making even one unnecessary purchase can open a door for your partner to nitpick your spending habits. Having a habit of making unnecessary purchases could lead to bigger troubles.
19. Watching Ahead on a TV Show
Watching two episodes of The Pitt with your partner and then three on your own is a great way to upset them. A shared show is one where each episode can only be watched with both members of the couple in attendance. When you start watching or listening to something new, lay the groundwork as to whether it’s shared or not.
20. Eating in Bed
Crumbs in bed will trigger nitpicking every time. If you’re devoted to eating potato chips in bed, then do so carefully. We’d recommend making the bedroom a food-free zone just to be safe.
