… dialogue and strengthens the relationship by honoring both narratives.
13. “You Always Do This.”
man chatting with girlfriend on couch
Using absolutes like “always” or “never” can corner someone into a defensive stance, detracting from productive conversation. In a study conducted by the Gottman Institute, it was revealed that criticism using absolutes is one of the predictors of relationship dissatisfaction. By generalizing their behavior, you obscure the nuances of the current issue and paint their character in an unfairly negative light. A more effective approach would be to focus on the specific …