Why Over-Familiarity Breeds Contempt in Relationships and How to Avoid It

Introduction

Relationships are one of the most complicated aspects of life. They are essential and complicated, and at times, it can be challenging to maintain them for an extended period. People form relationships for different reasons, but one of the primary reasons is companionship. However, over time, familiarity can cause contempt in relationships, leading to negative consequences.

What is Over-Familiarity, and How Does It Breed Contempt?

Over-familiarity is the point in a relationship where partners become too comfortable with each other, leading to a loss of mutual respect and admiration. This state of excessive comfort can lead to a feeling of boredom and a lack of effort in maintaining the relationship.

The familiarity can be as simple as being completely aware of your partner’s habits and idiosyncrasies or taking each other for granted. For example, when you no longer feel the need to dress up for your partner or surprise them with small thoughtful gestures, that can be a sign that over-familiarity has set in. This behavior can lead to contempt, which can ruin any relationship.

Contempt is among the four negative relationship behaviors, and it refers to feeling ill-disposed towards another partner to the point of disrespecting and insulting them. If allowed unchecked, contempt breeds resentment, which ultimately leads to the downfall of any relationship.

How to Avoid Over-Familiarity in a Relationship

Here are some ways of preventing over-familiarity and contempt in a relationship.

1. Keep Dating

One way to keep the spark alive is to continue dating each other even after the initial stages of the relationship. Going out on dates helps to break the monotony and reminds partners of why they fell in love in the first place.

2. Work on Yourself

One of the pitfalls of being too comfortable in a relationship is being complacent with personal growth. It’s essential to continuously develop oneself and pursue growth individually to maintain the attraction between partners.

3. Communicate with Respect

Effective communication is key to any successful relationship. It’s essential to communicate respectfully, using “I” statements, and taking ownership of one’s feelings.

4. Avoid taking each other for Granted

Partners should make an effort to acknowledge and appreciate each other’s efforts and gestures. Small acts of kindness, words of affirmation, or random surprises can help prevent over-familiarity and contempt.

5. Respect Boundaries

Partners should respect each other’s boundaries and avoid crossing any lines that would lead to contempt. It’s important to have open and honest conversations about boundaries and respect each other’s needs.

Conclusion

Over-familiarity can easily lead to contempt in a relationship. It’s essential to prioritize the relationship and work towards maintaining mutual admiration, respect, and love. Being aware of the danger signs and taking active steps to prevent over-familiarity can help keep any relationship alive and growing. Remember to communicate respectfully, respect boundaries, avoid taking each other for granted, continue to date, and work on oneself, and it’s possible to avoid this negative cycle and remain in a healthy, happy relationship.