Some people take to couplehood like ducks to water — it’s a natural state of being that works well for them. Others, however, struggle not just to maintain healthy long-term relationships but to get in them in the first place, for whatever reason. Here are the personality types that find it hard to settle into anything serious, no matter how much they might want to.
1. The Perfectionist
According to Marriage.com, perfectionists often have an idealized image of what a relationship should look like, which can make finding and maintaining a one challenging, to say the least. They may struggle to accept the flaws and imperfections that come with real relationships, so when there’s even the slightest chink in the armor, they call it a day.
2. The Overthinker
Overthinkers tend to analyze every last detail of their relationships, which inevitably leads to unnecessary stress and worry. This constant analysis can prevent them from truly enjoying their relationships and may push their partners away. They create issues that aren’t there and blow up minor things into major ones as a form of self-sabotage.
3. The Dominator
This personality type has a major need for control, which makes it all but impossible for them to maintain relationships, especially since most people rightfully aren’t prepared to concede to them on ever little thing. Their controlling nature drives potential partners away since no one wants to get into a domineering and potentially abusive situation.
4. The Commitment-phobe
Commitment-phobes tend to struggle with settling into long-term relationships for pretty obvious reasons. Their fear of dedicating themselves to another person 100% prevents them from deepening relationships and usually leaves them with nothing more than a series of short-term flings that might be fun in the moment but are ultimately unfulfilling.
5. The Narcissist
According to PsychAlive, narcissists often prioritize their own needs and wants above everyone else’s, which can strain relationships. After all, who wants to be with someone who never considers them in the slightest? Their lack of empathy and disregard for other people’s feelings makes them a pretty unattractive romantic prospect for most people. When they can actually fool someone with false charm, things inevitably end when their partner figures out what they’re really like.
6. The Pessimist
Pessimists have a negative outlook on life and complain about everything, so it’s no wonder they spend most of their lives single. Their constant negativity make them a drag to be around, and their obsession with seeing the worst in everything makes it hard for people to connect with them on any deep level.
7. The Workaholic
Workaholics often prioritize work over their relationships, which can leave little time for their partners. Their commitment to their job is admirable, but when it’s all work and no play whatsoever, there’s clearly no room for love in there. As a result, workaholics rarely progress beyond surface-level, casual dating. It’s a lonely way to live — a paycheck can’t keep you warm at night!
8. The Emotional Roller Coaster
People who experience frequent, intense emotional highs and lows can be challenging to maintain a relationship with. This emotional instability leads to relationships that are dramatic, intense, and extremely unstable. It’s never long before the other partner decides they can’t cope with the tumultuous nature of the relationship and wants out.
9. The Overly Independent
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While independence is a virtue, being overly independent to the point of avoiding opening up to and relying on anyone else in any way can lead to problems in a relationship. These people may struggle to let people in and work as a team in a relationship. They’re so used to doing everything on their own that they forget about “we” for the sake of “I.”
10. The Clinger
This personality type tends to become overly dependent on their partner, which can (and usually does) smother the relationship. Their neediness can push partners away, as they’re desperate for time and space away from the clinger. It’s incredibly important to maintain your autonomy and have your own life outside of your relationship, but clingers don’t live that way, which is a real shame.
11. The Eternal Skeptic
This person questions everything and finds it hard to trust people. While a healthy level of skepticism is healthy in life, too much can create a barrier to intimacy and trust in a relationship. Sometimes you have to give people the benefit of the doubt, especially when one of those “people” is your romantic partner. How else can you possibly move forward?
12. The Non-Communicator
Communication is key in any relationship — duh. People who don’t know how to vocalize their thoughts and feelings or refuse to work through issues proactively always struggle when it comes to romantic partnerships. Their lack of clarity and directness means that there are often misunderstandings and a lot of frustration in their relationships.
13. The Critic
These people tend to find fault in everything and are rarely satisfied. This constant criticism can wear down their partners and make the relationship feel more like a prison than a partnership. Advice and feedback can be helpful when appropriate and asked for, but if you’re always putting someone down, it won’t be long before they head for the door.
14. The Competitor
Competitors view relationships as a game to be won. They always want to be right and can turn every conversation into a competition. This approach creates a lot of unnecessary tension and prevents a healthy, equal partnership. You’re supposed to be on the same team, not on opposite sides.
15. The Escapist
Escapists avoid dealing with problems by distracting themselves with other things like work, hobbies, or socializing. Their refusal to face and address issues can stifle the growth and progression of a relationship. It’s important to face challenges head-on so you can work through them and ultimately move on. Otherwise, you’ll be headed for a breakup in no time.
