Have you ever noticed how worse you and your man fight when the weather is scorching hot? According to a study featured on TIME, climate change or hot weather in general may be one of the reasons why you or your partner may be more prone to shorter tempers.

Researchers from the University of California in Berkeley examined 60 previous works on climate change and human conflict, and found that disputes often rise during weather shifts. In fact, a five-degree Fahrenheit rise in temperature could increase the chances of personal violence (including domestic violence) by four percent and civil violence by 14 percent. This goes to show that there is wisdom in letting heads cool before you say or do anything that you might regret.

Of course, it isn't all about the weather. Although the sweltering heat may cause you to become more hotheaded than usual, it's important to learn how to manage your moods. Relaxing and taking deep breaths when you feel that you're about to snap can help you think more logically, and avoid unnecessary heartache between you and your loved one.

(Photo by Jason Ippolito via Flickr Creative Commons)