Contempt focuses on weakness. To make a contempt cocktail go to the cupboard and take one part disgust and one part anger and mix them together. Disgust and anger are at the center of every contemptuous thought. How much of a problem do think contempt is in your relationships? Now, before you conclude that we never treat others with contempt, look with me at some thoughts, feelings, and actions, akin to contempt, that were eye opening when I considered them:
- Passing judgment without all the facts
- Comparing ourselves to others
- Focusing on someone’s failings or defects
- Pointing out a persons lack of status
- Devaluing, or creating distance with another
- Speaking with sarcasm or being openly hostile
