11 Antidotes to Contempt in a Relationship

Dr. John Gottman and Dr. Julie Gottman are prominent relationship researchers. They identified contempt as one of the "Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse" in relationships—a set of toxic communication patterns that predict relationship dissatisfaction and potential breakup. Contempt involves feeling superior to your partner, manifesting as sarcasm, belittling, or disrespect.