2 July 2008
Couple Disagreements are Normal
Almost all couples (78%) experience some ongoing disagreements according to a survey conducted by Relationship Services.
“Even in the happiest, longest lasting of relationships, couples disagree,” said Hilary Smith of Relationship Services.
“And most people do learn to deal with them.”
The online survey of more than 1500 people in long term relationships focused on the things people disagree about
repeatedly. “Many of the couples who come to us for counselling are looking for ways to deal with persistent issues, the
ones that crop up again and again.”
Four out of ten people disagreed about money and financial security, regardless of income levels. “While many couples
may be coming under financial pressure currently, money is often a bone of contention in good times or bad. Couples’
differing values and priorities are highlighted when it comes down to how the money is spent,” Ms Smith said.
Other common causes of disagreement are work pressures (31%), time pressures (29%), housework (26%) and sex life (25%).
When asked how they dealt with disagreements, the most common and effective approaches were things like keep talking to
partner, apologising, putting the issue in perspective. “These strategies show the effectiveness of treating each other
with respect, even while disagreeing. These couples are placing more of a priority on how they treat each other than on
‘winning’ the argument.”
“We were not surprised that the survey found a difference between men and women around communication." The survey found
more men perceive that women nag or keep on, and more women perceive that men don’t listen. Four out of ten women cited
Doesn’t listen as an issue versus three out of ten men. (40.5% v 31.6%) In contrast, three out of ten men cite
Nagging/keeping on versus two out of ten women. (30.7% v 19.4%)
“When counsellors hear the phrases ‘nagging’ or ‘not listening’, we know there is a communication issue in the
relationship to work on,” Ms Smith said.
While revenge looks good in the movies, most people know it doesn’t work. Only 1.7% of people said they did something to
get their own back and 79% of them rated it as very ineffective.
People get better at handling disagreements over time. Those in newer relationships (3-7 years) had higher levels of
recurring disagreements than those in longer relationships (21 + years). “People in longer relationships may have sorted
out many of their differences, but it was also clear that they handle disagreements in ways that better support the
relationship,” Ms Smith said.
Parenting is hard on a relationship. People with children at home were much more likely to have recurring disagreements
(86% versus 68% for those without children living at home). The common causes of disagreements such as money, housework,
work and time pressures were all more frequent for those with children. In addition, childcare and parenting (35%) and
extended family (25%) were common issues that caused disagreements.
“Having children at home intensifies the stresses on parents but it also makes a difference to the way people deal with
disagreements. Parents were more likely to take a team approach such as keep talking with partner and apologising, and
were more motivated to make up because more is at stake.”
Disagreements are a normal part of a relationship. “For a quarter of people, disagreements and how they dealt with them
actually had a positive impact on how they felt about the relationship and their partner,” said Ms Smith. “It is clear
that taking time to communicate effectively not only solves disagreements, it can enrich relationships.”
“The reason Relationship Services commissioned this survey was to learn what approaches were most effective, so that we
can encourage more people to use them. Our website www.relate.org.nz has a variety of articles and resources for people
wanting to improve their relationships.”
The survey, Dealing with Disagreements, was funded by Telecom through its Community Connection programme, and the
Lottery Grants Board. It was conducted by UMR in 2008.
ENDS