Accepting influence in relationships is crucial for maintaining influence and power dynamics. Refusing influence can lead to powerlessness and lack of communication in a relationship. Accepting influence shows value, love, and willingness to support the other person, fostering gratitude and drawing them closer. This reciprocity of being there for each other builds trust, leading to commitment.
No matter how much you love your partner, your relationship will never be totally free from disagreement. And nor should it be, say researchers Dr John Gottman and Dr Julie Schwartz Gottman. We actually just need to learn to argue better.
The Gottmans join Dr Laurie Santos to talk us through how to raise complaints with our partners and how to react when they complain about us.
Further reading: Fight Right: How Successful Couples Turn Conflict into Connection by Dr John Gottman and Dr Julie Schwartz Gottman.
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