Even the healthiest relationships are susceptible to a fair share of arguments. There are small ones: Why were you late? Why did you leave the toilet seat up? Why did you forget to say "I love you" this morning? And big ones: How could you change your mind about when you want to retire? Why would you spend so much on a car? Why have you been so checked out recently? And often, each disagreement is jarring and uncomfortable, no matter how trivial the subject matter. So, it's only natural to want to avoid bickering as much as possible. Fortunately, there's an easy way to do that—and all you have to do is learn the most common reasons couples fight. Luckily, a recent study looked into just that. Read on so you can discover the behaviors to avoid to keep the peace in your partnership.
READ THIS NEXT: 37 Percent of People Keep This a Secret From Their Partner, Study Shows.
The issues that cause the most arguments.
A recent study conducted by OnePoll surveyed 2,000 British adults living with a partner to discover the top 30 reasons they argue on a regular basis. The issues they were polled on ranged from chores (things like not taking out the trash) to bad habits (dropping crumbs in bed) to lifestyle disagreements (not wanting to socialize with their partner's friends). The issues that came out on top might shock you.
Most couples fight because one person doesn't do this.
Interestingly, the number one issue that causes people to fight is a member of the couple forgetting to turn off lights around the house. This frustration bothered people more than leaving the toilet seat up (which came in at number two) and not putting the dishes away (which came in at number three). So, if you're the type of person who tends to flick on every overhead light or table lamp—and leave them that way when you exit a room—you might want to reevaluate your behavior. It could bother your partner more than you know and may lead to disagreements over time.
READ THIS NEXT: 5 Relationship Red Flags You Should Never Ignore, Therapists Warn.
Division of labor was a touchy subject.
In addition to looking at the most common issues that caused arguments, the study also analyzed the division of labor between both members of the couple. The researchers found that 54 percent of women believe that they are doing the majority of the housework. Forty-five percent of women living with a man felt that the household tasks were disproportionately split; just 34 percent of men felt the same. Clearly, there's work to be done on who's doing the work—and who believes they're doing the work.
So was phone and TV usage.
Besides chores, couples' phone and TV usage also came under fire. "How much time they spend on their phone" was reason number 15 why couples fight and "what film or TV series to watch" was reason number 20. The amount of sports a partner watched came in at number 25.
For more relationship advice delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.
Friends and family also came into play.
Maybe your partner's version of a perfect Sunday is spending time with their extended family while yours is watching TV on the couch. Or, their idea of a fun Saturday is heading out to the bar with their pals while yours is going on a romantic date night. If these differences of opinion cause disagreements in your relationship, you're not alone. According to the study, "not making enough effort with each other's family" and "having to socialize with a partner's friends" were reasons 24 and 28, respectively, that couples fight.
As with every disagreement in your relationship, the key is to tackle it early. Have an honest discussion with your partner about these issues—or any others that frequently rear their heads—to create a compromise that works for the two of you. Then, do your best to adhere to that compromise so you can enjoy the more blissful aspects of your partnership.
Juliana LaBianca Juliana is an experienced features editor and writer.Read moreFiled UnderMarriage • News • Relationship AdviceRead This NextThis Bedtime Habit Might End Your Relationship
One-third of people think it's a dealbreaker.September 10, 2022The Biggest Dating Myths
Don't stop a budding romance before it even starts. July 31, 2022This Nighttime Habit Can Ruin Your Relationship
You might not even realize you're doing it, but it could come between you and your spouse.July 25, 2022The 30 Best Compliments to Give People Over 30
A small, thoughtful comment can go a very long way.January 17, 2018This Is the Best Time of Year to Propose
Hint: It's not Christmas Eve. February 6, 201820 Easy Ways to Be Less Mean
A little kindness goes a long way. April 3, 201820 Ways to Increase Your Emotional Intelligence
Give your EQ a little TLC. April 20, 2018Moves You Should Never Pull at a School Function
<em>Dad!</em>July 25, 2018The 50 Best Compliments to Give People Over 50
Take the time to really make someone's day with genuine wholesomeness.January 17, 2018Here's Why Experts Say "Micro-Cheating" Will Destroy Your Relationship
You think you're just an innocent flirt. But are you?February 1, 2018
