In a good relationship, people get angry, but in a very different way. The Marriage Masters see a problem a bit like a soccer ball. They kick it around. It's 'our' problem.
John M. GottmanRead
Admit when you're wrong. Shut up when you're right.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of humility and discretion in communication.
John M. Gottman’s quote suggests that acknowledging one's mistakes is a sign of maturity and wisdom, while knowing when to refrain from speaking—even when one is correct—demonstrates emotional intelligence. This approach fosters better relationships and avoids unnecessary conflict, emphasizing the value of humility in our interactions with others.
Themes
HumilityCommunicationWisdomRelationshipsDiscretion
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about team dynamics, this quote can remind colleagues to prioritize understanding over winning arguments.
More from John M. Gottman
All quotes →Marriages are much more likely to succeed when the couple experiences a 5 to 1 ratio of positive to negative interactions whereas when the ratio approaches 1 to 1, marriages are more likely to end in divorce.
John M. GottmanRead
Gay and lesbian relationships operate on essentially the same principles as heterosexual relationships
John M. GottmanRead
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