No matter what it is you and your significant other argue about, there’s a good chance the thing you’re fighting about is something most long-term couples deal with. According to Dr.Pepper Schwartz, who studies love, sexuality and commitment and works to help couples in long-term relationships, “The longest-running arguments are the ones with the most at stake.” They’re the ones with no conclusion that keep coming up and she says these are the most common fights couples have.
- Extended family drama- We get to choose our partner, but we’re stuck with their family, for better or worse. From the broke brother who always asks for money to the father-in-law who drinks too much, these family issues lead to fights because there’s never an end to it.
- Ongoing day-to-day frustrations- Small, but lingering frustrations over not doing the dishes or taking out the trash can lead to big blow ups since this contest of wills is constant, Schwartz says.
- Drifting apart- Feeling like your connection isn’t as strong as it used to be can lead to resentment and arguments, which only makes you feel more distant.
- Conflicting parenting philosophies- Couples won’t always agree about the right thing to do when it comes to their kids and this can lead to long-standing fights.
- Financial stress- They say money can’t buy happiness, but most couples fight about not having enough of it, rather than having too much.
- Jealousy- From thinking a partner is flirting - or worse, cheating - to feeling envy over your partner who gets to stay home with the kids while you go to work, jealousy can be a major source of fighting for couples.
- Irreconcilable differences- These are the fights that seem to have no solution, like one partner refuses to quit smoking, or is constantly on their phone and won’t attempt to cut back on the habit. It doesn’t mean your relationship is doomed, but you have to find a way to learn to live with it if you can’t change it.
Source:PopSugar