There's an ironic twist to traditional Valentine's Day activities—they involve unhealthy relationship habits. Or, at the very least, they romanticize someone else's unhealthy habits and give us an unrealistic idea of what true love looks like.

As I share in my book, 13 Things Mentally Strong Couples Don't Do, it only takes one or two counterproductive relationship habits to weaken your bond. And while none of these traditional Valentine's Day activities are likely to directly lead to divorce court, you might want to think twice about engaging in them this year. These Valentine's Day activities might backfire and do more harm than good.

“Love” has remained the most popular word in song lyrics for more than five decades. But over that time, the dysfunctional lyrics have increased—especially when it comes to glamorizing unhealthy romantic behavior.

Eighty-six percent of modern songs contain lyrics that promote unhealthy and insecure romantic attachment. So think twice about that romantic song you’re tempted to turn on—there’s a good chance it normalizes jealousy, objectifies partners, and glorifies unhealthy behavior. That's probably not the vibe you're going for on Valentine's Day.

Movies labeled “romantic” are often filled with unhealthy messages about relationships. The commonly portrayed storyline involves a likable man who aggressively pursues a woman even after she declines his........

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