O r they may resort to fighting unfairly to gain power over their partner instead of coming to a compromise and strengthening their commitment to the relationship. When goodwill and trust are damaged, the probability of using dirty fighting techniques increases. If a relationship reaches the point where arguments are frequent and damaging, the couple may need to make a commitment to resolve the problem and try more productive methods of relating on difficult topics. Relationship therapy, which focuses in part on establishing new communication patterns, aims to facilitate this goal.

It helps to ask whether the arguments usually lead in a downward spiral toward bitterness and stalemate or whether they lead to better communication and greater intimacy. And it is helpful to examine the themes of the arguments. Couples may find that they always argue about the same issues time after time without ever resolving the underlying problem. It helps to see that arguments about money are rarely about money – they’re usually about power. Arguments about kids are usually arguments about control. When we argue about chores, we are often more concerned about fairness. Sexual arguments are usually about intimacy; and arguments about jealousy and fidelity are usually about maturity. By identifying these underlying themes, we can usually communicate more directly and with a more positive outcome.

  Clarify Your Level of Commitment to the Relationship  
If arguments begin to have a deteriorating effect on a relationship and no resolution appears in sight, it is time to examine the level of commitment each of the partners has to the relationship. This is sometimes a basic issue that remains unresolved by two partners. People avoid this topic out of fear that their partner may be on the verge of bailing out, so they never get a good reading on how the partner feels about the degree of intimacy and longevity they ought to have in the relationship. Many arguments, in fact, stem from the fact that one of the partners feels that the other is less committed, and this gives rise to unresolved anger, fears of being abandoned, control attempts, and trying to change the other person. At this stage we may even see our partner as the enemy, a competitor, and someone who is not to be trusted. Problems arise when each person sees the commitment differently or when their expectations are unrealistic. Unhealthy commitments assume that one person is responsible for the other person’s happiness. A solid first step in working on conflict in a relationship is to clarify the degree of commitment each party feels toward the other. An adaptive commitment to a relationship assumes that there are two mature, independent people whose needs, wants, and motives can change over the years – and this is precisely why communication about the commitment is necessary. It should be an open topic which can be brought up on occasion. Couples who have been together for decades often attribute their success to the commitment they have made to the relationship.

  Constructive Relationship Guidelines  
In addition to reaching a good understanding of the nature of the commitment, there are several other guidelines that can be explored when a couple decides to bring their arguments to a more constructive level.

  It is better to be close and happy than to be right.  
Blaming each other and trying to change the other person’s opinions are both counterproductive. When we assume that one person is right and the other person is wrong, we put the person who is “wrong” on the defensive. Get out of this right vs. wrong framework altogether. Accept the fact that you simply see the issue differently.

  Become aware of your impact on your partner.  
Arguments start when we say something without realizing how our partner will take it. Your partner may blame you for starting an argument when that is the last thing you had in mind. One goal of relationship therapy is to uncover what people mean when they say things – and what it means when they hear certain things.

  You can’t change past history.  
Although you may feel hurt by something that happened in the past, the only options people have are to work for better circumstances in the present and the future. Of course, you may want to talk about things which have bothered you in the past, but holding a grudge usually interferes with the productive resolution of current problems – those things which you can do something about. Work on one current problem at a time, not a list of things from the past. Discuss the problem while it is relevant.

  State your needs as specific requests for positive behavior change.  
It is not helpful to criticize the person’s character – this simply puts our partner into a defensive stance. Labeling the person with words like “crazy,” “immature,” or “slob” does not solve the specific problem you need to address, and it ensures that you will not be heard. These words are only meant to hurt. Let your partner know that it is a specific behavior that bothers you, and behaviors can be changed.

  Use effective communication techniques.  
Use “I-statements” when you want to convey how you feel. Take responsibility for your own feelings and assume that your partner is responsible for his or her own. When you say, “I feel left out at parties,” you and your partner can work on this constructively together. But when you say, “Buster, you take the cake – you don’t care one thing about me when you’re around your friends,” your partner is seen as the enemy and resolution of the problem becomes difficult. When you use generalized words like “should,” “ought,” “always,” or “never” you become like a parent and this places your partner in a childlike role where constructive discussion between two equal adults becomes virtually impossible. Making sure that your nonverbal message matches your verbal communication also facilitates an effective conversation.

  De-escalate arguments that are getting out of control.  
It is not helpful to threaten the other person either verbally or physically. Any sort of violence is unacceptable. Time-outs are a perfectly good way to give both parties a chance to cool down so that the problem can be resolved later after the heat has dissipated. Recognize the triggers that set off an argument, as well as the process of escalation, and take immediate steps to get things under control. Put your energy into resolution of the conflict. A component of relationship therapy is to clarify this destructive process and to learn tools for resolving problems and restoring personal integrity and mutual respect.

It is a wonder that relationships are as successful as they are. We seldom get any kind of formal training in how to manage relationships well. One lesson that many of us have never learned is that differences of opinion and polarized perspectives are to be expected and are normal and healthy. However, serious differences that lead to hurtful, destructive arguing require attention. Fortunately, help is readily available.