The Bo Show

Put Up Your Dukes: Couples Fight

The way you argue with your significant other could determine the length of your relationship. Do you fight fairly or unfairly? Do you go straight for the jugular? Do you hit way below the belt? Do you put your tail between you legs and run away? Well, below are five tips to keep your relationship going strong, when the waters are getting rough.

1. Baggage Claim: Does your current sig. do something that reminds you of your ex? This could just be part of your relationship patterns. I often say you are initially attracted to what is familiar to you. But, if you don’t fly off the handle and blame your current guy or gal for something that feels like your ex, you are much better off. Sig.’s shouldn’t have to pay the price of the folks who came before them.

2. Name Game: This is something we’ve learned at a very young age, no name calling. How many times have you called your guy or gal stupid, lazy or selfish? There is a reason these words are coming to your mind… and you’re noticing them. You most likely suffer from these same qualities. There’s always a much better approach to getting through to your sig. about something. Name calling will only put your sig. on defense.

3. Ancient History: Don’t hold something over your sig’s head for an extended period of time. If he’s late, guess what, you’re late sometimes too. He forgot your birthday? Tell him about it once. Do you enjoy a nonstop b*tch session? It gets nothing done. I love the saying, “Choose your words carefully and tenderly, because you never know when you may have to swallow them.”

4. Scream Queen: There is absolutely nothing ok about raising your voice beyond the volume of a normal conversation. How many times have you been annoyed by that girl on the train who is yelling at her boyfriend. He’s not even listening to her. Guess what folks… same thing happens to you.

5. Fault Finder: Does someone really need to be at fault? Pulling out the magnifying glass to locate the trouble-maker is not going to make the situation any better. Finding fault says more about you. You’re trying to prove yourself right and the other person wrong. Do you like being proved wrong? The answer, probably not. Why do that to the person you care about most. There’s always a better way.