Antidotes for the Four Horsemen with Couples

Having a healthy relationship with your partner is key for long-lasting meaningful experiences as a couple. It is very normal and expected for couples to have conflicts, as well as to feel a wide variety of emotions including, but not limited to, anger, sadness, happiness, excitement, guilt, pleasure, joy, and disappointment. Healthy couples communicate effectively, manage conflict well, show grace, and choose each other every day.  

We have a good amount of research focusing on areas of growth as well as elements that can lead to a relationship being unhealthy or ending. The Four Horseman represent four specific elements that are linked to relationship distress. These are criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling. Fortunately, there are antidotes for each of these that can protect your relationship. See this article that describes The Four Horseman and how you can self-regulate and improve and protect your relationship. 

The Four Horsemen: The Antidotes

https://www.gottman.com/blog/the-four-horsemen-the-antidotes/

I hope you have a long-lasting, meaningful, and joyful relationship!