A dating expert has revealed that there is one obvious sign that your relationship is dead in the water and won't last.
Debbie Rivers warned people to watch out for that a certain aspect of their partner's behaviour which could indicate that your love life is on life support - so you may as well skedaddle.
The internationally accredited relationship expert and certified coach has been 'empowering' singles and helping couples work through their troubles for more than a decade.
The Aussie was inspired to become a love doctor after her 21-year marriage which she 'thought would last forever' fell apart, leading her to embark on a journey of 'self-work, study, real-life experiences and research'.
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But there is one particular warning sign which she believes a lot of people can't come back from and, in her eyes, pretty much confirms that the two people aren't meant to be.
The relationship expert explained that contempt is usually the biggest 'relationship killer' and a 'predictor of divorce'.
This term is used to refer to the feeling or an attitude which a person presents - which isn't very friendly, to say the least.
Treating someone with contempt means that you believe they are less-than, worthless or beneath consideration, and this is often fuelled by anger and resentment.
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You might notice your other half slipping in snide insults, ridiculing you, being sarcastic or even name calling.
A person feeling contempt for another may also engage in hostile humour which thinly veils their jibes, or they might just waltz round acting as though they are in another league.
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Rivers told the Daily Mail: "Contempt shows disgust about the other person and it's different to criticism. You can see how that will kill any relationship and make it hard to resolve your problems in the relationship.
"If there is contempt in your relationship it is the biggest predictor that you are headed for a breakup or a divorce."
She further explained: "It is feeling like they are beneath you - an air of superiority. It's hard to solve a problem if your partner gets the idea/message that you are disgusted with them.
"It tends to happen when there are long-term resentments and unresolved issues in a relationship. It is those continual negative thoughts about your partner."
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The three other pivotal signs that your relationship is crumbling that you might pick up on while communicating are criticism, stonewalling (shutting down) and defensiveness (not listening), Rivers said.
Fellow Aussie dating expert Dr Lurve also insisted that contempt is the little-known 'silent killer' in the dating world - and it is best caught early in order to be worked on.
"It's crucial for couples to recognise the warning signs early on and address them head-on." she said.
"Open, honest communication and a commitment to mutual respect can serve as powerful antidotes to contempt, fostering healthier and more enduring connections."
Topics: Sex and Relationships, Australia
Olivia Burke