ABSTRACT
Conflict is part and parcel of all close relationships. Even the most loving couple is not immune to the occasional spat and the resulting hurt feelings. And in some cases it can lead to the end of a relationship. In essence, the intimacy developed throughout the course of a close interpersonal relationship turns conflict into a deeper, more hurtful affair than would, say, an argument between coworkers or strangers. The demise of the "Brangelina" union fits well with early approaches that viewed conflicts as predominantly negative, destructive events. News accounts of abusive relationships, deadly stalking incidents, and murder-for-hire horror stories fit this view equally well. Thus, according to the conflicts-as-destructive perspective, conflicts are signs of problems or weaknesses in the relationship. Constructive conflict is a main force for change and growth in a relationship. One way to distinguish between different types of conflict is by the degree to which they are predictable and adhere to "rules of engagement".
