It’s healthy to have expectations. To want the most from your relationship. To trust your partner will respect and love you and that you’ll be strive to be the best person for each other. While we might respect and care for our partner, it’s easy to expect too much (or feel disappointed if things don’t go to plan). Dr. Patricia Thompson says it’s having unrealistic expectations of your partner that is likely to be the biggest issue in maintaining a long-term relationship. Writing for mindbodygreenmindbodygreen, Thompson explains how your own efforts at trying to be perfect could be the same symptom that destroys your relationship. Explaining the issue, the dating expert revealed that while nobody is perfect, one partner can naturally take on the pressure to try and live up to what they perceive are the ‘ideal’ goals of their other half. Thompson also recognises that as tough as you are on yourself, you should try to avoid bringing blame or criticism to your relationship if you judge your other half when feeling insecure: “Perceiving your partner in the best positive light will also likely cause you to behave in a more supportive way towards him or her. In turn, this will help create better interactions.” So how can you overcome this internal pressure? Thompson advises looking at their qualities in the context of your partnership can help you to recognise your own role in the relationship – helping you appreciate all the good aspects of your couple-life.