The Sting of Criticism — and the Cure for Connection Loss.
Why words that judge can wound deeply, but couples can rebuild trust through empathy and repair. Criticism is different from expressing a complaint because, by definition, it attacks a partner’s character or personality rather than focusing on a specific behavior or issue. When criticism becomes prevalent in communication, partners stop feeling heard and start feeling attacked.
The Poison of Contempt—and the Antidote to a Relationship Crisis
Contempt arises when couples are facing too many stressors with too few resources. It is a response that is often borne out of chronic overwhelm and frustration. Unfortunately, many couples who love each other immensely find themselves feeling contemptuous toward their beloved or, perhaps worse, finding themselves on the receiving end of contemptuous communication.