Relationship Advice No One Should Listen To

When it comes to your relationship, no one but you and your significant other should be the authority on the issues you’re facing. Well-meaning friends and loved ones will chime in with their two cents, but most advice should be taken with a grain of salt. 

Unless suggestions are coming from a trusted couples therapy counselor in Bountiful, Utah or elsewhere, be wary of these red flags.

‘Try Making Them Jealous’

As stated by Bustle.com, “the answer is never to manipulate [the other] person's emotions.” This strategy might seem to work out perfectly in romantic comedies, but the reality is that no one wants to feel insecure or question your commitment. Jealousy will only make matters worse.

The Unstable Friend

When listening to advice, it’s important to remember who the advice is coming from. If your best friend from Bountiful has a questionable track record when it comes to relationships and commitments, she might not be the best person to listen to.

‘It’s Okay to Lie Sometimes’

When tensions arise, one of the most common strategies for couples in therapy is to hide the truth from one another. A friend might tell you to lie about certain things to “avoid conflict,” but in reality, this will just create tension between the two of you, and worsen the outcome once the truth is revealed.

The Jealous Girlfriend

Another person you might not want to take advice from is your single friend who is openly distraught about her lack of prospects. Sometimes relationship tips can come with an ulterior motive when they are the product of jealousy.

‘If it Were Me…’

The main problem with taking advice from someone else is that they can’t truly understand the intimate details of your relationship—which communication strategies work, which don’t, etc. A couples therapy counselor on the other hand, can analyze your situation, and using proven techniques, suggest helpful solutions.

‘You Need a Good Rebound’

This advice sounds like it probably came from your unstable friend. Attempting to heal relationship wounds by investing physically in something that won’t last, will only lead to further emotional damage. 

Whether you’re living in Bountiful or elsewhere, remember not to listen to every piece of advice you receive.

Emily Culp is a relationship writer for Fusion 360, an SEO and content marketing agency. Information provided by Swinton Counseling. Follow on Twitter.