
Disagreement is normal when two independent people spend significant time together.
Relationship research suggests that how couples handle conflict can matter more than simply whether conflict occurs.
Contempt, hostility, personal attacks, and persistent destructive patterns are very different from respectfully disagreeing about a problem.
Avoiding every difficult conversation can also leave important issues unresolved.
A healthy relationship isn't necessarily one where nobody argues—it's one where disagreement can happen without destroying respect.
© The Gottman Institute