An individual who specializes in marriage counseling has revealed a key indicator that might suggest your relationship is nearing its end.
There’s no doubt about it—relationships can be challenging. And, to be honest, there isn’t a definitive guide on how to navigate them correctly.
Luckily, there are specialists in this field who can offer valuable insights into whether a relationship is likely to succeed or fail.
If you feel your relationship isn’t progressing well, you might want to consider the advice of a marriage counselor.
In a Reddit thread titled ‘What screams ‘we are not going to last long’ for couples?’, a Redditor recalled a comment made by a counselor they once met.
The user recounted: “I was at a party one time and there was a marriage counselor there that had been working for 20-something years in couples counselling. I asked her what the number one sign was that the couple wasn’t going to make it. Without hesitating, she said, ‘If one person shows contempt for the other’s feelings, it’s over!’.”
Contempt is frequently discussed in the context of relationships and their potential downfall.
While it’s a term that comes up often, what does it specifically mean in the realm of relationships?
Kristen Mark, a sex and relationship researcher, explained to The Knot: “Mocking your partner, speaking to them with condescension, or using sarcasm for cruelty are all examples of contempt.”
This discussion sparked further conversation on Reddit, with many others joining the debate.
One user explained: “This is a really well-documented one. Contempt is a dead giveaway. The moment you start ‘sneering’ or using incredulous sarcasm, you should consider it to be a red alert. My wife and I are doing fine these days, but a few of our worst fights have contained contempt.
“Unfortunately because we’d heard this guidance before, we realized we were in very dangerous territory and needed to take a really hard look at the root causes of what was p***ing us off at each other. Anger can be a natural reaction, as long as it doesn’t come with abuse.
“Contempt, however, is like black mould.”
Of course, numerous other warning signs can signal trouble in relationships.
One Reddit user pointed out: “When they post each other too much. I get the occasional picture together but when you full-on document every little thing it just comes across as wanting to prove your relationship to other people because you’re insecure.”