What couples should know
Fighting itself is not necessarily unhealthy in relationships. In fact, it is common for couples to have disagreements and conflicts. However, the way couples handle and resolve their conflicts is what can either be healthy or unhealthy.
Healthy fighting in relationships involves open communication, active listening, and respect for each other's perspective. It is important for partners to express their needs and concerns without attacking or belittling each other.
Unhealthy fighting, on the other hand, involves destructive behaviors such as criticism, defensiveness, contempt, and stonewalling. These behaviors can erode trust, create resentment, and damage the relationship over time. It is important for couples to recognize and address these negative patterns of interaction in order to foster a healthy and fulfilling relationship. Fighting itself is not inherently unhealthy in relationships, but it is the way conflicts are handled and resolved that determines whether it is healthy or unhealthy.
Safety and Violence
Safety and the absence of violence in relationships is a precondition to a healthy relationship. Relationships should provide a secure and nurturing environment where both partners feel respected and valued. Violence and abuse are clear indicators of an unhealthy relationship and can have severe negative impacts on the well-being of the individuals involved. Open and honest communication, empathy, and understanding are essential components for maintaining a safe and violence-free relationship. If one partner feels unsafe, is concerned that their items will be broken, or is denied access to others, couples therapy should not be considered. In this case it is important to address safety first through local resources and individual therapy.
Blog posts
Navigating the Stormy Seas of Couple Conflicts: Understanding and Managing Emotional Turmoil
Conflict in relationships can often appear like unexpected storms, erupting suddenly and leaving couples feeling bewildered and unsteady. For many, these quarrels spring up seemingly out of thin ai...
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