ABSTRACT
Why couples argue is looked at in Chapter 5, demonstrating the way partners develop negative behaviours and disappoint one another. Case studies are used to illustrate how thinking and behaviour can create unhelpful relationship patterns. One issue that causes many rows is that of being heard or of partners believing they aren’t being listened to. Another is differences in micro-culture – one partner’s family doing things differently to the other’s, which affects the meaning they make, and again this can lead to partners feeling unheard. This is explored, with case studies for illustration. There’s a quiz to help readers work out how they argue and what they could do differently, followed by some advice on how to avoid rowing.
