Some examples of these unconsciously driven relationship behaviors are where:
- our actions mimic our parents' simply because that's our sense of 'normal'
- we shy away from expressing our sexuality because we've been taught it's 'bad'
- we succumb to habitual activities even when they cause strife
- we resist being cooperative or compromising because we are still fighting old battles
- we seek comfort through immediately gratifying activities like eating, drinking or sex
- we withhold intimacy as a way to exert control, when we can't control other areas of our lives
- we get so wrapped up in new activities (e.g. making a home, raising a family, starting a career), we move our relationship partner down from the top of our priority list.
- we see courtship as an activity that 'wins' us a relationship partner rather than an activity that is absolutely necessary to nurture a lifelong relationship.