Relationships
Does Your Relationship Need A Good Argument?
Time for a good fight
Why should you have an argument with your partner? Surely, that will lead to negative fallout? That depends on whether you can deal with conflict or disagreement.
Here are 10 great benefits of having a friendly and constructive argument.
1. You can get rid of smoldering issues, provided you are both transparent. According to Psychology Today, revealing how we really feel is invaluable for any relationship to thrive or even end.
2. You both agree on the limits of the argument. Is anger allowed? How about sulking and even long silences. Establishing ground rules and boundaries can be very therapeutic and useful. Barring insults from arguments is a great start.
3. Make sure that emotional abuse is not a feature of your partnership before or after the argument. This could be anything ranging from the silent treatment to temper tantrums.
4. Reassurance. A good argument is a sign that you really care for each other. Keeping your head down or walking on eggshells can often be a sign if indifference.
5. Making your views known and gaining respect as a result of the argument is great. It must be reciprocal.
6. Airing your views and finding workable solutions is the best result of all. You do not have to have the same routine, views on life, politics, or anything else. Compromise is not just for politicians! Agreeing to differ is a sure sign of a civil relationship.
7. Arguing constructively can really help a relationship to ride many a storm. Up to 44% of couples in one survey stated constructive squabbles, rows and arguments were a positive element for a more stable relationship.
8. Sometimes, you feel you need a moderator. This happens when the row and the bickering are derailed and you both start going over old sores or even digressing and going off-topic.
9. It’s your fault, really. Constructive arguments may help you look in the mirror under the spotlight and sometimes we can be surprised at what we find when looking at ourselves. That is usually more productive that trying to waterboard your partner.
10. Finally, the lack of bickering in a relationship can lead to pent up anger, resentment and this can increase levels of the cortisol stress hormone which can impinge negatively on our health.
A friendly fight is a great way to keep revenge at bay. It just does not pay off and the brief feeling of satisfaction will be outweighed by the negative impact.
“The silence is the worst part of any fight, because it’s made up of all the things we wish we could say, if only we had the guts.” ― Pete Wentz, Gray.
