The 7 Stages of a Fight When You're in a Long-Term Relationship
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Finding your soul mate and settling together into cohabitational bliss is a comfort and also sometimes a curse. You're in for the long haul, so you feel solid in the relationship, but there are bumps, leaving you wondering if it's time to hit up couple's therapy. I've been married for years, and after all that time, you learn a few things — like the proper stages of a good fight. And sometimes it isn't anything that actually justifies an argument, like coming home to a fully loaded (and dirty) dishwasher after asking your significant other to take care of it 800 times.
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Planning the Attack
The next step is calculated. Do you confront or wait for the right moment to attack?
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Crying It Out
Sometimes it's fake crying, but tears are a must. And if you're really upset, a good cry makes it all better. But try to avoid letting your significant other console you too much — you are still fighting.
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The Actual Fight
Now is the time for the attack — make sure to include any and all frustrations at this time, which might start a fight about a new fight.
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Pouting
You have no shame regressing to childlike behavior and will even play dirty to get your point heard. Pouting usually works.
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The Silent Treatment
You're probably over it by now, but there's nothing wrong with some alone time to "think about things" also known as sleeping in, going to bed early, or reading a book in bed — alone.
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The Makeup Session
Then it's time to kiss and make up, which is really the best part of fighting. And sometimes it's the reason for the argument in the first place. All is forgiven — it's like nothing ever happened.
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Couples Therapy With Dr. Jenn
Addictive and explosive, the new season of Couples Therapy with Dr. Jenn won't disappoint. Check out the trailer above and watch the premiere on Wednesday, Oct. 7, at 10 p.m. EST only on VH1!