06/23/2026
Communication research from the Gottman Institute spanning over four decades of couples study identifies what they call the Four Horsemen — criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling — as the primary predictors of relationship breakdown. Crucially their research also shows that couples who develop a culture of open honest communication and gentle startup for difficult conversations demonstrate significantly higher rates of long term relationship success. The conversations you avoid are not protecting your relationship. They are slowly ending it. 🧠 Share this with someone who believes keeping the peace means keeping quiet.