Relationship Killers I

From “The Science of Trust” by John M. Gottman, PhD*
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1. “More negativity than positivity. Ratio of positiveto negative emotional expression during conflict . . . . Relationships need to have at least a 5 to 1 ratio of positivity to negativity.”. Negativity is “anger, hostility, insult, disgust, contempt, sarcasm, sadness, disappointment, belittling, disagreement, and emotional withdrawal.” Positivity is “warmth, affection, being there for each other, interest, humor, understanding, and empathy.”

*(2011). Norton: New York, NY.