This One Habit May Reduce Relationship Conflict, Study Finds

Spending an unforeseen amount of uninterrupted time with anyone—even someone you love—can take a toll. So it's no wonder relationship conflict began to rise1 during the pandemic lockdown. Aside from living in such close quarters, the added stress of potential health or financial setbacks definitely created trouble in paradise. 

Those who were asked to write about a recent disagreement from a third-party perspective reported having fewer disagreements, less aggression, and lower levels of conflict relentlessness with their partners in a two-week follow-up. 

This study was conducted during lockdown, when couples were in closer quarters and potentially experiencing higher than normal stress levels. However, the researchers say this introspective strategy of writing from an objective, third-party standpoint can be helpful in mitigating most romantic conflicts, regardless of context.

"When people are asked to discuss relationship problems with their partner, there are elements of pride and ego that can get in the way of being objective," Rodriguez explained. "While talking to a partner about why you might be wrong is really hard to do for many people, especially if it is a charged topic...the practice of doing it within yourself allows for the space to process in ways that might lead to more empathy, understanding and compromise."