Does Familiarity Breed Contempt?

The expression "familiarity breeds contempt" is all too familiar. Yet, as is the case with many common sayings, we might benefit from taking a look at whether or not it truly makes sense. When we don't examine these beliefs, they tend to become self-fulfilling prophecies. Ordinarily, the expression "familiarity breeds contempt" refers to what often happens in long-standing relationships and marriages. Regrettably, over time too may relationships begin to see their happiness wither. Yet, the question remains: Is it actually familiarity that causes this disappointment?

We might consider whether it's familiarity that's the culprit, or whether something else is provoking the contempt. At times, familiarity may, in fact, pave the way for greater intimacy and love. After all, when the relationship begins, and we open up to emotional intimacy, we set the stage for falling in love. If a soft kiss, an appreciative hug, or the simple feeling of being cared for becomes familiar, then familiarity, in fact, evokes and sustains love. In loving relationships that embrace emotional support and respect, familiarity produces a wonderful life. What we become accustomed to should become the focus of our attention.

In relationships, the problem is not with familiarity, but more about that to which we're acclimating. For example, disrespectful, dishonoring, and negative energy all too often becomes familiar territory in relationships. These are the elements that cause contempt. Perhaps we'd be better off saying mediocrity or unhappiness breed contempt.

At the onset of romantic relationships, we seek to become familiar with one another. After all, that's the only way that we can truly know each other. If love and intimacy are the goals, they can only be achieved through a more intimate knowing of one another. The difficulties that marriages endure are not derived from this intimacy, but rather are caused by a turning away from each other. When we do so, we begin to take each other for granted. This typically happens after we've become comfortable enough, and the conquest of love has been achieved. This may signal the beginning of that negative familiarity.

When we honor one another, we're not likely to experience contempt. The disdain comes from not getting our needs met. It originates from a turning away from your partner and a relationship philosophy that more likely resembles a "me first" attitude. Contempt is the emotional reaction to not feeling cared for and perhaps disrespected. When we feel valued by our partners, our relationships are inclined to thrive. At the least, this feeling of being valued tends to limit hostility and scorn. When we devalue our partners, contempt becomes very prevalent.

We must pay close attention to the slide into the devaluing of one another. This pattern becomes cyclical, for as soon as one feels denigrated, it's likely that they will react negatively and impart the same negativity upon their partner. One solution rests in learning to authentically communicate your feelings rather than acting them out. Tell your partner how you feel, rather than behaving contentiously. "I feel angry and let me explain why" may provide a different response that acting out angrily. Not doing so will assure that the pattern of contempt begins.

This article was excerpted in part from Mel's new book, The Possibility Principle: How Quantum Physics Can Improve the Way You Think, Live and Love.