Are These the Four Worst Behaviors for Relationships?
Psychologists identified four behaviors that can signal a relationship is struggling.
1. Criticism – when someone attacks their partner’s character instead of addressing a specific issue.
2. Contempt – this shows up as eye rolling, sarcasm, mocking, or talking down to a partner. It’s the most dangerous of the four.
3. Defensiveness – it’s when a person always makes excuses or shifts the blame instead of hearing their partner’s concerns.
4. Stonewalling – it’s an emotional withdrawal. Some people shut down and refuse to talk to their partner.