As a public service, I offer a “short course” version of a class I teach called “Communication and Conflict.” Our textbook is “Communication, Conflict, and the Management of Difference.” Authors ...

Couples who fight and still feel close don’t fear conflict. Instead, they use it as a doorway to deeper connection. Conflict is often viewed as a threat to intimacy; an indicator that something is ...

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Mark Travers writes about the world of psychology. In long-term relationships, and sometimes even in short-term ones, partners can ...

Conflict is a natural part of any relationship. Whether it’s a minor disagreement about what to watch on TV or a heated debate over personal values, these moments of discord can leave us feeling ...

We avoid conflict because we have a low tolerance for discomfort. Humans tend to avoid discomfort—whether it be physical, ...