4 Less-Obvious Ways Your Mom Ruined Your Love Life

How the way our mothers were loved affects how we are loved.

Mom talking to her older daughter rauschenberger | pixabay / fizkes | Getty Images
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Sure, you'd like to think that you're a grown, independent adult. But here's the cold, hard truth: Whether we recognize it or not, your mom has a say in who you become and even who you date.

As much as you claim that you're not phased by what she thinks of you, the fact is you're influenced by your mom more than you'd like to believe. Still don't believe us?

Here are 4 legit ways your mom ruined your love life:

1. She's brainwashed you ever since you were a kid

Researchers have found that the ability to love, trust, and work through arguments is developed during infancy and can directly affect behavior in future relationships. If your mother was distant or emotionally cold to you when you were a baby, finding love will feel that much harder for you.

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Even though these tendencies were developed before you could speak, that doesn't mean you can't overcome them.

RELATED: Why Your Nasty Divorce May Be Hurting Your Child's Future

2. She set up boundaries for you

We're naturally programmed to view the type of relationship that our parents had as the norm, so if your parents had a loving, trusting, long-lasting relationship, then you're in luck. Unfortunately, this is not always the case.

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With roughly half of marriages ending in divorce, many more on the brink, and others that are just downright dysfunctional, the majority of us are following examples that are less than stellar. Studies have shown that children from divorced families are much more likely to have marriages that end in divorce.

RELATED: 10 Ways Children Of Divorce Love Very Differently

3. She taught you how women are to be treated

But isn't that a good thing? Here's the deal. We all grow up subconsciously wanting to be just like mom, so if she let herself be treated poorly, walked on, cheated on, or generally disrespected, you'll find a partner who treats you the same.

Alternately, if she was overbearing and constantly berated your father, you'd fall for the meek, sheepish guy who lets you treat him the same way. 

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RELATED: To The People Who Think Divorced Parents Should've Stayed Together For The Kids

4. She's a constant reminder of everything you're doing wrong

Questions like "Shouldn't you skip dessert this time?" and "When are you going to find a nice guy and settle down?" are pretty much the norm.

Moms have a way of making sure we know what our flaws are. Whether we want to admit it or not, her opinion matters to us and these become ingrained in who we believe we are. These beliefs can have a detrimental effect on our self-esteem, which in turn has a very detrimental effect on our relationships.

   

   

That doesn't mean you should blame your mother for how you behave today or for the choices you make. But knowing what may have made you into the person that you are can help you make positive changes in your life. 

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It's important to remember that your mom is only human. Just like all of us.

RELATED: How Children Of Divorce Think About Love & Relationships, According To Research

Jane Garapick is a dating and relationship coach, author, and founder of Getting to True Love. She provides inspiration, support, and empowerment to women on their journey to find true love.

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