Did you know arguing effectively could make you happier? A groundbreaking study published earlier this year found couples who row productively are less likely to divorce*. The reason? ‘Arguing means you deal with things that upset you, rather than stuffing the feelings down and letting resentment build up,’ says relationship counsellor Andrew G. Marshall. Embracing conflict in other areas of your life can also be beneficial – clashing at work or with friends can boost your contentment levels because it stops people treating you badly, says psychologist Louise Greenwell. ‘If you allow someone to repeatedly treat you unfairly, you’re giving them permission to continue,’ she says. But it’s important to argue the right way so you reach a resolution, rather than falling into a pattern of ongoing conflict. Here’s our simple plan for winning arguments – without losing friends.
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