Sometimes in an intimate relationship, we want our own way. When this happens, our actions may tend to restrict the behavior of our partner to think, act or feel like we do. These behaviors are power tactics and are felt by our partners as dirty fighting.

Responsible complaining is an important skill for successful friendship. Complaining should involve criticism, blaming or attacking. Good listening skills are required for processing our partner's complaints.

Responsible complaining is an important skill for successful friendship. Complaining should involve criticism, blaming or attacking. Good listening skills are required for processing our partner's complaints.

One major difference between happy and unhappy couples is the ability to resolve conflict effectively with respect. Most of us learned only unfair and dirty tactics for arguing and fighting to settle differences. Negotiation is a step-by-step alternative to unfair tactics.

One major difference between happy and unhappy couples is the ability to resolve conflict effectively with respect. Most of us learned only unfair and dirty tactics for arguing and fighting to settle differences. Negotiation is a step-by-step alternative to unfair tactics.

When anger is aroused, many of us feel a pull toward immature expression of this emotion. We offer practical methods for safe and mature management of this potentially destructive emotion.

When anger is aroused, many of us feel a pull toward immature expression of this emotion. We offer practical methods for safe and mature management of this potentially destructive emotion.

Appreciation is the atomic structure of affection. When we express our appreciation, we enjoy the benefits of feeling and sending gratitude.

Appreciation is the atomic structure of affection. When we express our appreciation, we enjoy the benefits of feeling and sending gratitude.

Most of us want rewarding, satisfying relationships, those that are mutually pleasurable. A deeper understanding of the element of friendship can guide us toward this goal.