39 Biggest Deal Breakers You Shouldn’t Ignore In Any Relationship

Navegar no complexo mundo das relações pode ser uma aventura e tanto. Quais são as coisas que realmente fazem ou desfazem uma relação?

This blog dives into the top 39 deal breakers that can turn love into a bumpy road. Whether you’re in a new romance or a long-term commitment, these insights could be your relationship lifesaver. Each item explores a unique aspect that can cause friction between partners.

Let’s uncover what truly matters and how to steer clear of relationship disasters.

1. Falta de comunicação

Ever tried talking to someone and feeling like you’re speaking a different language? That’s how it feels when communication breaks down. In any relationship, it’s crucial to share thoughts, feelings, and concerns openly. Without it, misunderstandings can pile up like laundry. Picture trying to solve a puzzle with missing pieces—that’s what it feels like.

I’ve been there, trying to express myself only to be met with silence or confusion. It was like trying to tune into a radio station with nothing but static. A strong relationship thrives on mutual understanding, and that’s impossible without talking.

Think of communication as the bridge that connects two hearts. Without it, you’re left on opposite sides of a chasm. So, next time you’re feeling misunderstood, remember: it’s not just about talking, but also about listening and engaging genuinely with each other’s inner worlds.

2. Infidelidade

Imagine the feeling of being crushed under a weight you can’t lift. That’s what infidelity can do to a relationship. Trust, once shattered, is hard to rebuild. It leaves a lingering doubt, a shadow that follows every iota of happiness.

Uma amiga minha confidenciou uma vez o desgosto que sentiu quando descobriu que o seu parceiro lhe tinha sido infiel. Foi como ver um belo quadro a desfazer-se diante dos seus olhos. A traição cortou fundo, deixando uma cicatriz que o tempo se esforçou por curar.

The foundation of love is trust, and when that’s broken, every interaction becomes tainted with suspicion. It’s like trying to enjoy a beautiful sunset through a fogged window. Honesty and loyalty are the cornerstones of any strong relationship. Without them, love finds it hard to survive. Choose to be truthful, and let trust illuminate your path together.

3. Objectivos de vida diferentes

Já alguma vez sentiu que você e o seu parceiro estão em páginas diferentes do mesmo livro? Objectivos de vida diferentes podem fazer com que se sinta assim. É difícil chegar a um acordo sobre os sonhos, especialmente quando ambos têm uma visão clara do futuro.

In one relationship, I faced this dilemma. I wanted to travel the world, while they dreamed of a settled family life. It felt like pulling a cart in two directions—neither of us could move forward.

When aspirations don’t align, it’s essential to communicate and find common ground. It’s not about sacrificing dreams but weaving them together into a shared tapestry. Picture two architects designing a home with different blueprints; collaboration is key. Love thrives when both support each other’s ambitions, crafting a future that resonates with shared values and dreams.

4. Falta de respeito

Respect is the unsung hero of any relationship. It’s the quiet acknowledgment of each other’s worth, opinions, and feelings. Without it, love can feel like a one-way street.

Respect isn’t just about grand gestures; it’s in the small, daily interactions. It’s listening without interrupting, and valuing opinions even when they differ.

Love flourishes when respect is mutual, creating a space where both partners feel valued and understood. It’s like the gentle sunlight that nurtures a garden, helping love bloom in its full glory.

5. Incompatibilidade financeira

Money talks, and sometimes it argues. Financial incompatibility can lead to significant strain on a relationship, as differing spending habits clash.

Finding financial harmony involves open dialogue and compromise. It’s about setting common financial goals and respecting each other’s financial philosophies.

Picture two musicians playing different tunes—harmony arises when they listen and adjust to each other’s rhythm. Love and money can coexist peacefully with patience and understanding.

6. Falta de apreciação

Ever felt like your efforts go unnoticed? A lack of appreciation can make love feel unreciprocated. Everyone wants to feel valued, to know that their actions contribute to the relationship’s well-being.

I’ve been in a relationship where my gestures were met with indifference. It was like baking a cake that no one tasted. The lack of acknowledgment made love feel one-sided, like watering a plant that never blooms.

Appreciation doesn’t require grand acts, it’s the little thank-yous, the unexpected notes, the genuine acknowledgment of efforts. It’s like a gentle breeze that keeps the flame of love burning brightly. Celebrate each other’s contributions, and watch your relationship flourish with gratitude and warmth.

7. Desonestidade

Trust is fragile, and dishonesty can shatter it. Lies, even small ones, weave a web that can trap and suffocate a relationship. It’s the fear of the truth being uncovered that erodes trust.

Truth nurtures trust, allowing love to breathe freely. It’s about being open, even when it’s uncomfortable. Embrace truthfulness, and let it guide your relationship to deeper connections.

8. Indisponibilidade emocional

Ser emocionalmente indisponível is like building walls around your heart. It leaves the other person feeling isolated, unable to connect on a deeper level. Love needs emotional intimacy to thrive.

Once, I was with someone who couldn’t express their feelings. It was like talking to a wall, each word bouncing back without reaching them. It left a void, making love feel shallow and incomplete.

Emotional availability is about vulnerability, sharing fears, dreams, and insecurities. It’s the glue that binds souls together, creating a safe space for love to grow.

9. Crítica constante

A crítica pode parecer uma chuva incessante, encharcando o espírito de amor. Quando se torna um hábito, diminui a autoestima e cria um ambiente tóxico.

Constructive feedback is healthy, but when it turns into incessant fault-finding, love struggles to survive. It’s about offering support, not tearing down. Choose kindness, and let your relationship blossom with positivity and encouragement.

10. Inveja

O ciúme é como um incêndio, consumindo a confiança e deixando cinzas de insegurança. Tem origem no medo de perder o que mais se valoriza, levando muitas vezes à possessividade.

Numa relação anterior, o ciúme agia como um predador silencioso, infiltrando-se em todas as interações. Era como andar sobre cascas de ovos, tentando evitar levantar suspeitas. Sufocava o amor que antes era tão livre.

Overcoming jealousy involves building self-confidence and trust in each other. It’s about celebrating your partner’s independence, not fearing it. Trust in the bond you share, and watch jealousy fade away.

11. Falta de intimidade

Intimacy is the heartbeat of love. Without it, a relationship can feel like a barren desert, devoid of warmth and connection. It’s about closeness, both physical and emotional.

Rekindling intimacy requires effort and understanding. It’s about creating moments that bring hearts closer, whether through shared experiences or tender touch. Like a cozy blanket on a chilly night, intimacy wraps love in warmth, strengthening the bond that ties you together.

12. Diferentes vidas sociais

Balancing different social lives can be challenging. It’s like sharing a dance floor with different rhythms, each partner moving to their own beat.

Navigating social differences involves compromise and understanding. It’s about supporting each other’s preferences and finding common ground.

Celebrem a vossa individualidade enquanto apreciam os momentos que partilham, criando uma relação equilibrada e gratificante.

13. Negligenciar os cuidados pessoais

Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s essential. Neglecting it can lead to burnout, affecting the relationship. It’s about nurturing yourself to be the best partner you can be.

Practicing self-care means setting boundaries and respecting each other’s need for space.

Abrace actividades que recarregam o seu espírito e veja o amor florescer com energia e alegria renovadas.

14. Incapacidade de compromisso

A teimosia pode ser uma pedra de tropeço no amor. A incapacidade de chegar a um compromisso cria tensão e discórdia, como dois rios que se chocam em vez de se fundirem.

Compromise isn’t about losing, it’s about creating a win-win scenario.

15. Apego

O apego pode ser como usar uma camisola demasiado apertada, sufocando a relação. Tem origem na insegurança, no medo de ser deixado para trás.

Finding balance involves building self-confidence and trust. It’s about giving each other space to breathe and grow. Celebrate your individuality while cherishing the connection you share.

16. Ignorar os limites

Boundaries are like invisible fences, protecting personal space and individuality. Ignoring them can lead to resentment and conflict, like stepping on a beautiful garden without care.

Once, I was with someone who didn’t respect my need for alone time. It felt like an invasion, like a gentle stream being overwhelmed by a flood. It left me feeling suffocated and undervalued.

Respecting boundaries is essential for a healthy relationship. It’s about understanding each other’s limits and honoring them. Love thrives when boundaries are acknowledged and cherished, nurturing trust and respect.

17. Manipulação emocional

Emotional manipulation is a silent thief, stealing joy and self-esteem. It’s about controlling through guilt, fear, or deceit, leaving one partner feeling trapped.

Numa relação, experimentei a arte subtil da manipulação. Era como ser uma marioneta, com cordas puxadas para provocar reacções. Isso corroeu o meu sentido de identidade, fazendo com que o amor parecesse um jogo distorcido.

Breaking free involves recognizing manipulation and setting firm boundaries. It’s about reclaiming your power and self-worth. Choose a relationship built on equality and respect, where love lifts rather than controls.

18. Questões passadas não resolvidas

Carregar questões não resolvidas do passado é como arrastar uma mala pesada pela vida fora. Pesa o presente, afectando a relação.

Healing involves acknowledging past wounds and working through them. It’s about letting go of baggage to embrace the present fully.

19. Diferentes estilos parentais

Parenting is a journey, and different styles can create turbulence. It’s about navigating diverse philosophies on raising children, like steering a ship through varying tides.

Finding common ground involves open dialogue and compromise. It’s about blending parenting styles into a harmonious approach. Create a shared vision that reflects love and respect for each other’s perspectives.

20. Abuso de substâncias

O abuso de substâncias é uma sombra que pode escurecer a mais brilhante das relações. Afecta a confiança, a comunicação e a estabilidade emocional, como uma nuvem de tempestade a pairar por cima.

I witnessed a friend struggle with their partner’s addiction. It felt like watching a ship being tossed by relentless waves, unsure if it would reach safe shores. The emotional toll was immense, affecting their love and life.

Apoiar um parceiro com problemas de consumo de substâncias requer compaixão e ajuda profissional. Procurem ajuda juntos e deixem que a cura ilumine o vosso caminho para uma relação mais saudável.

21. Família prepotente

Family can be a source of support and joy, but sometimes they can overstep boundaries, affecting the relationship. It’s about balancing family dynamics with your partnership.

Na minha experiência, uma família autoritária pode dar a sensação de ser apanhada num cabo de guerra. Cada lado procura atenção e influência, deixando pouco espaço para o crescimento pessoal. Isso cria tensão, fazendo com que o amor pareça um campo de batalha.

A definição de limites implica uma comunicação aberta e respeito mútuo. O amor floresce quando os papéis familiares são claramente definidos, permitindo que a relação se torne forte e independente.

22. Negligenciar a relação

Neglecting the relationship is like letting a garden wither without care. It stems from taking each other for granted, and forgetting to nurture the love that binds.

I’ve seen relationships fade as routines took over. The absence of effort left an emptiness that love struggled to fill.

Reviving a neglected relationship involves intentional effort and attention. It’s about making time for each other, and celebrating the connection you share.

23. Promessas não cumpridas

As promessas não cumpridas podem parecer pequenas fendas que acabam por destruir a confiança. Cada promessa não cumprida mina a confiança, deixando o amor em terreno movediço.

Keeping promises strengthens trust, creating a reliable bond. It’s about accountability and respect for each other’s expectations. Make your word your bond, and let trust be the cornerstone of your relationship.

24. Falta de aventura

A stagnant relationship can feel like a pond with no breeze, lacking excitement and novelty. Love craves adventure, the spark that keeps it alive and vibrant.

Injetar aventura implica procurar novas experiências em conjunto.

25. Incompatibilidade

Incompatibility can feel like pieces of a puzzle that don’t fit. It arises from differing values, interests, or lifestyles, creating gaps that love struggles to bridge.

Cada tentativa de alinhamento é como forçar peças desencontradas, deixando ambos frustrados. A falta de pontos em comum pode fazer com que o amor se sinta tenso e distante.

Addressing incompatibility involves honest conversations and acceptance. Embrace diversity, and let it enhance your relationship’s unique beauty.

26. Raiva não resolvida

Unresolved anger can simmer beneath the surface like a volcano waiting to erupt. It affects communication and emotional connection, leaving love on shaky ground.

Healing involves acknowledging and addressing anger, sand eeking constructive solutions. It’s about open dialogue and empathy.

27. Controlo excessivo

Excessive control can feel like being trapped in a cage, stifling individuality and freedom. It’s about one partner dictating terms, leaving the other feeling powerless and confined.

I’ve seen relationships where control overshadowed love, like a shadow blocking the sun. It created a toxic environment, suffocating the joy that love once brought. The lack of autonomy made the relationship feel like a prison.

28. Falta de apoio emocional

Apoio emocional is the cushion that softens life’s blows. Without it, love can feel like a lonely journey, each challenge magnified by isolation.

Offering emotional support involves empathy and presence. It’s about being there for each other, sharing burdens, and celebrating joys. Be the anchor in each other’s storms, and let love grow strong and steadfast.

29. Expectativas não satisfeitas

As expectativas não satisfeitas podem parecer um balão a perder ar, esvaziando esperanças e sonhos. Tem origem em suposições que não são comunicadas, fazendo com que o amor se sinta inadequado.

Aligning expectations involves open dialogue and realistic goals. It’s about understanding each other’s desires and finding common ground. Communicate openly, and let love exceed your wildest dreams.

30. Desatenção

Inattention can feel like being invisible in your own story. It’s about neglecting the small moments that make love special, leaving the relationship feeling empty.

Reviving attention involves intentional presence and engagement. It’s about cherishing the moments you share, making each one count. Picture a spotlight illuminating a stage—love thrives when attention is focused and intentional.

31. Excesso de egocentrismo

O comportamento egocêntrico pode ser um fator de rutura quando um dos parceiros dá prioridade às suas necessidades em detrimento da relação. Este foco em si mesmo pode fazer com que o outro se sinta negligenciado e sem importância, levando a uma quebra na ligação emocional.

A balanced relationship requires both partners to show empathy and understanding. By actively listening and valuing each other’s perspectives, they can maintain harmony and mutual growth.

Addressing self-centered tendencies involves acknowledging the partner’s needs. Regularly engaging in shared activities can strengthen bonds, paving the way for a more inclusive and loving relationship.

32. Natureza implacável

Guardar rancores can feel like carrying a heavy backpack on a long journey. It drains energy and joy, leaving love feeling burdensome.

Numa relação, a falta de perdão pairava como uma nuvem negra, ensombrando todas as interações. Era como tentar nadar com pesos, cada braçada mais difícil do que a anterior. A incapacidade de perdoar impedia a nossa capacidade de seguir em frente.

Forgiveness involves letting go of past hurts and embracing healing. It’s about releasing the burden to free love’s potential. Imagine shedding layers to reveal a new beginning—love thrives when forgiveness paves the way for compassion and growth.

33. Comportamento não fiável

A fiabilidade é fundamental em qualquer relação, e um comportamento imprevisível pode ser profundamente perturbador. Quando um dos parceiros quebra constantemente os compromissos, isso pode levar a sentimentos de abandono e insegurança.

To counteract this, it’s essential for individuals to follow through on promises. Consistency builds trust, reinforcing the belief that one can depend on the other.

Os parceiros devem esforçar-se por ser fiáveis nas suas acções e palavras. Esta fiabilidade alimenta um sentimento de segurança e estabilidade, que é crucial para uma parceria duradoura.

34. Compromisso excessivo

Over-committing can feel like juggling too many balls at once, leaving love feeling neglected. It’s about taking on more than you can handle, stretching yourself thin.

Numa relação anterior, os nossos horários ficaram tão preenchidos que nos esquecemos de arranjar tempo um para o outro. Era como correr uma maratona sem descanso, deixando-nos cansados e desconectados. A falta de tempo em conjunto fez com que o amor se tornasse uma coisa secundária.

Balancing commitments involves prioritizing what truly matters. It’s about making space for love amidst life’s demands.

35. Romance desvanecido

Romance is the spark that ignites love’s flame. When it fades, a relationship can feel like a dimly lit room, lacking passion and excitement.

I’ve experienced times when romance dwindled, like a candle burning low. It left a void, making love feel like a routine rather than a celebration. The absence of romance made the relationship feel stale and uninspired.

Rekindling romance involves intentional gestures and creativity. It’s about keeping the flame alive with surprises and affection.

36. Holding Onto Past Relationships

Nothing kills a relationship faster than the lingering presence of past loves. Whether it’s constantly bringing up an ex in conversation, keeping old romantic keepsakes, or staying emotionally attached to someone from the past, it creates a wedge between you and your current partner.

I once dated someone who couldn’t stop reminiscing about their past relationship—it felt like I was competing with a ghost. No matter what I did, there was always a shadow of “what was” hanging over us. It made me feel like I was just a placeholder instead of a true partner.

Letting go of the past is essential for moving forward. Your partner deserves your full attention, not a divided heart. If you’re still emotionally invested in someone from your past, it’s time to reflect on whether you’re truly ready for a new relationship.

37. Lack of Shared Values

Attraction and chemistry are great, but if your core values don’t align, you might be headed for trouble. Values shape how you view the world—whether it’s family, career ambitions, religion, or lifestyle choices. If you and your partner see life through completely different lenses, maintaining a long-term relationship becomes an uphill battle.

I once dated someone whose values clashed entirely with mine. While I prioritized stability and emotional connection, they thrived on unpredictability and independence. We tried to compromise, but deep down, neither of us was truly happy. The differences slowly chipped away at our bond until there was nothing left.

Love can bridge many gaps, but when it comes to values, alignment matters. Finding someone who shares your core beliefs doesn’t mean you have to agree on everything, but it does mean you’ll build a life together with a foundation that both of you can stand on.

38. Lack of Curiosity About Each Other

When your partner stops being curious about you, it can feel like slowly becoming invisible. A healthy relationship thrives on learning—what makes each other tick, what’s changed over time, what brings joy or stress.

I once dated someone who stopped asking how my day was or what I was passionate about. It felt like we were coexisting, not truly connecting. The silence wasn’t loud—it was empty. And emptiness can be just as hurtful as conflict.

Curiosity shows you still care. It’s not about constant interrogation, but about the little questions that say, “You matter.” When that curiosity fades, love begins to feel stagnant. Keep asking, keep learning, and stay emotionally invested.

39. Treating Love Like a Competition

Love isn’t a scoreboard, but sometimes it feels like one partner is keeping tabs—who apologized first, who gave more, who’s “winning” the relationship. That mindset turns affection into rivalry, and partnership into power struggle.

In one relationship, everything felt like a contest. If I forgot something, they’d bring up the last time they got it right. It felt like being on trial instead of being in love. The constant comparison drained the joy out of even the happiest moments.

True love doesn’t compete—it cooperates. It’s about lifting each other up, not proving who’s better. When you treat your partner as a teammate, not an opponent, that’s when love truly thrives.