The Weaponization of Psychological Labels in Relationships
Briefly

In personal relationships, using psychological labels can hinder genuine dialogue. Laura accused her husband Sammy of being a sex addict, but upon deeper understanding, it was evident that he was simply unfaithful. Their relationship had deteriorated, lacking intimacy and communication. Instead of confronting her feelings about his betrayal, Laura chose to label his behavior. This approach of labeling partners can be damaging and avoids the fundamental emotional issues at hand, which undermines the possibility of a healthier relationship dynamic.
In healthy relationships, people say how they feel and what they think about the partner's specific behavior.
Laura claimed that her husband Sammy was a sex addict, but his behavior was representative of a common form of infidelity.
Labeling partners with psychological terms can be harmful and distracts from addressing actual feelings and behaviors in relationships.
Laura's pathologizing of Sammy as a sex addict allowed her to avoid directly confronting her feelings of hurt and anger regarding his infidelity.
Read at Psychology Today
[
|
]