Here's an interesting tidbit about marriage: Researchers say that when it comes to resolving conflicts, it's more important for wives to calm down than their husbands. Science Daily reports that a woman's demeanor may have significant long-term effects in a romantic relationship.
Psychologists Lian Bloch and Robert Levenson monitored videotaped interactions of more than 80 heterosexual middle-aged couples to see how they recovered from arguments. The couples also reported the status of their marriage to the researchers every five years.
The findings reveal that wives who calm down quicker after a spat may have happier and more successful marriages. “When wives discuss problems and suggest solutions, it helps couple deal with conflicts," says Levenson, stressing the importance of “constructive communication” in a relationship.
"Emotions such as anger and contempt can seem very threatening for couples. But our study suggests that if spouses, especially wives, are able to calm themselves, their marriages can continue to thrive," Bloch concludes.
(Photo by Pedro Ribeiro Simões via Flickr Creative Commons)
