List and explain ten reasons why relationships fail.

9. Controlling behaviors: When one partner seeks to control the actions of the other, the relationship becomes weak at best and dangerous at worst. The need to control is inextricably linked to many factors, including belief in gender myths, lack of communication, unequal power, low self-esteem, isolation, overdependence, and jealousy. A relationship can remain healthy and happy only when both partners know that they have freely chosen to be in the relationship and are free to be themselves. In a controlling relationship, one partner attempts to take that freedom away from the other and control virtually everything the other does. The most serious outcome of a controlling relationship occurs when the line is crossed from control to abuse or violence. Many abusive behaviors fall under the heading of control.
10. Abuse and violence: Violence between relationship partners is referred to as intimate partner violence (IPV). Victims may become trapped in abusive and violent relationship cycles over long periods of time. The violence in intimate relationships is for one purpose: to exert ultimate and total control over the victim. The abuse or violence and the threat of more in the future typically create such fear in the victim that attempting to escape becomes impossible. Both men and women may be victims of relationship violence, but violence by men against women is significantly more common. Many people believe that as soon as a relationship becomes violent, the victim should simply leave. However, leaving an abusive relationship is typically far from simple. Violence in intimate relationships is a very serious and complex matter from which escape is far more difficult than it sounds.