Psychology Today | 03.06.2026 00:31
Couples get stuck in recurring conflict, frustration, avoidance, and resentment because they struggle to get out of their own way. When conflict erupts, both members may put up their protective guards. Unfortunately, a big part of their defense is a tendency to double down on their own perspectives and hold so firmly to that perspective that no other light can get in. Their internal thoughts reinforce a negative interaction, which increases negative thoughts. This can manifest in arguments chock-full of sharp criticisms and stonewalling.
