Four Communication Styles that Predict Divorce with 93% Accuracy.
With over forty years of research behind him, world-renowned relationship therapist Dr. John Gottman can predict with over ninety percent accuracy if a relationship will end based on how a couple communicates.
Dr. Gottman coined the phrase "The Four Horseman of the Apocalypse" through this research to describe the four styles of communication that can destroy a relationship.
Criticism
Criticizing your partner is the first communication style that can hurt your significant relationship. Criticizing is attacking their character, abilities, or personality.
It's telling them that what they do or who they are is 'not enough.'
Constant criticism can leave your partner feeling inadequate as if their actions are not good enough for you.
What you can do instead
We all thrive on encouragement and affirmation. But sometimes your partner does something you're unhappy with, like burning dinner or forgetting your anniversary.
Instead of criticizing, let them know how you feel about what they did. So, if they forgot your anniversary, tell them, "I feel disappointed you forgot a day that means a lot to me."
