One of the leading figures in couples counselling has detailed what he believes is the most clear sign that a relationship is over.
That is, of course, if said person doesn’t change their behavior and omit the attitude surrounding it, and Dr John Gottman knows better than anybody what you must do to keep your relationship going, in a healthy manner.
The psychologist boasts of 37 happily married years, as well as more than four decades of studying relationships – and has even conducted empirical studies with over 3,000 couples.
For those unaware … taking to Reddit yesterday (June 27), one user asked: “What’s an early sign that the relationship isn’t gonna work?”
While there were many answers, one user explained how differing humour can result in ‘tougher times to come’, which lead to another explaining how they learned that first hand.
Dr John Gottman has studied relationships for more than 40 years (Randy Shropshire/)
They stated: “An issue with my ex: when I said a joke, everyone else would laugh, while she would sigh and roll her eyes it was fine sometimes, but every time?”
One user commented: “Rolling your eyes is a fast track to a … to go out and see your friends, and your spouse says they’d rather you stay home. In response, you snap and say something like, ‘oh what a surpise! Do you want to tie me up so I can never leave you?’ That would be you exhibiting contempt.
The University of Washington emeritus professor’s wife, Dr Julie Gottman, is also an esteemed couples therapist.
She too has described contempt as being the worst thing for a relationship.
Doctors John and Julie Gottman have been married for 37 years (Randy Shropshire/)
“In our humanity we need loving connection with others for our very survival – …