Frequently I see couples that struggle to resolve conflict about the relationship “usuals”—sex, money, housework, children, and in-laws. These subjects can hit hot buttons for couples. So what do many adults do? They avoid the conversation.

The net result--the feelings about these thorny conflicts go underground, but they don’t go away. A bad night, an argument about the kids, a sharp remark about an in-law, a credit card receipt, or dishes in the sink can bring on tears, anger, or dead silence. Resentment is like water in your gas tank—it will rust out everything. Holding on to... Read More