What is a common characteristic of criticism in relationships?

A common characteristic of criticism in relationships is making global statements about a partner's character. This form of criticism goes beyond pointing out specific behaviors or actions and instead attacks the essence of who the partner is. For example, instead of saying "I didn't like it when you forgot to take out the trash," defining the behavior, one might say, "You always forget things, you are so careless." This shift from addressing actions to making sweeping judgments can lead to feelings of defensiveness and resentment, as it feels like a personal attack rather than a critique of a specific behavior.

Contrastingly, focusing on specific behaviors would be more constructive, offering feedback directly linked to actions without negatively impacting the partner's overall character. Similarly, offering constructive feedback or highlighting positive intentions would promote effective communication and understanding in the relationship, rather than deepening conflicts through generalizations about personality traits.