Being able to effectively work out differences is absolutely key to maintaining a loving relationship, and this includes having healthy arguments. I don't know about you, but my wife and I seemed to avoid arguments at all costs, and the research I've done indicated that this can be a problem because differences get stuffed instead of resolved. This was a major premise in Andrew Marshalls book, ILYBINILWY.
I took two online courses to help me in this area, Interpersonal Communication, and Assertiveness training. Instead of letting everything go in an effort to keep the peace, I'll try to pick an issue here or there that I feel is important and stand up for myself. The few times I've done this I've always been shown respect, even if it wasn't until after the fact.
I believe a wife wants a confident man who is not afraid to voice his differences, not one that goes along with everything she says. If you never argue, don't be afraid to rock the boat once in a while.
Now that you have me thinking about it I think we're overdue for a good argument.
M: A really long time. Crisis: 5 years. She's still worth it.
Life is never made unbearable by circumstances, but only by lack of meaning and purpose. -Viktor Frankl
