There is a misconception that conflict in relationships is the root of all relationship demise. Watching a couple fight, it may seem that way.
Steph: “Our house is always a chaotic mess!”
Julian: “It’s not my fault, I don’t have time to do everything.”
Steph: “You mean the dirty clothes you leave on the floor outside the bathroom? Even our son puts away his clothes. I’m glad he didn’t turn out to be a slob like you.”
Julian: (Large sigh) “That’s because you scream at him if he doesn’t. No one can ever be clean enough for you.”
This couple is caught in a pattern of defensiveness, personal attacks, and contempt. But how did their relationship get to such a nasty place?
(Want to learn more about creating a contempt-free marriage? Click here.)
A research study that followed 168 couples for 13 years discovered that the number one predictor of why couples split was not…
