In relationships, the most challenging issues can actually lead to deep connection and understanding. Successful couples approach compromise by distinguishing between inflexible core needs and flexible details, such as who, what, where, when, how much, and how long. By prioritizing and compromising on the flexible aspects of their positions, couples can find a middle ground. An example involved a couple with contrasting dreams of sailing around the world and living on a farm. They reached a compromise by first pursuing each dream for a year in sequence, allowing for a fair and just exchange of experiences before creating a new shared dream.
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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