Even when the finest grade of sandpaper is repeatedly applied to most surfaces it will wear it down. A corny analogy for relationships? Maybe so, but there is definitely some truth to it. Think of those little annoying habits you have that, if the situation were reversed, would drive you crazy and, worse yet, drive a wedge between you and your partner.

Flair got men and women to sound off on those annoying habits of their significant other which are wearing down their relationship. Why not let go of them in the new year?

What women should let go of this year

1 Where are you?: Issuing this question repeatedly during a mere 24 hours would get on anyone's nerves. It is also not the first thing someone wants to hear when he answers his phone. Plus, if you need to be constantly checking on your significant other's whereabouts, the distrust issues are overflowing. So, lay off the question and spare your gender the nag label.

2 Who were you talking to?: Do keep a running inventory of everyone your partner speaks to? It's rude and while no woman should disregard her intuition that her man is chatting up a female, the question will just exasperate the situation.

3 Nagging: Right back to the label often unfairly attached to women, she's a nag. Being a pest about small things often results in them not getting done anyway, so lighten up.

4 Telling girlfriends all of their problems: He hates when you tell your friends about every argument you've had. He would like you to keep at least some of the arguments just between you two.

5 Holding a grudge: Recycling old arguments when new ones arise make them worse. Nobody likes not forgetting an argument

6 Not allowing him time with his friends and family: You had a life independent of him and he the same.

7 Women who spend too much: Not much more to say.

8 Hitting him playfully: There's a line, while boys can't hit girls, so girls shouldn't do it either. Some guys hate the constant hitting.

What men should let go of this year

1 Men who don't answer their phone when a woman calls them, or the one-sided conversation, it just makes a woman suspicious. Not leaving their phones around you or putting their phone on vibrate as soon as they come over.

2 If, say, you are going to call back in five minutes, do it.

3 Saying you are five minutes away when you know it's really a half-an-hour.

4 Acting like you know everything; learn how to say I don't know.

5 Hogging the remote: Switching channel mid-programme.

6 Constantly nagging a woman about her weight. It's all about the approach; sometimes it's hurtful hearing about your weight from someone you love. Try suggesting working out together.

7 Bringing home work stress: Don't be mean to her just because somebody was mean to you. Talk with your partner about the issue, don't take it out on her.

8 Let go of the past: If your partner cheated and you forgave her, don't make constant snide comments about it.