Did you know this about getting on better with my partner?
We all argue from time to time. Living together and running hectic lives can occasionally leave us short tempered and those niggles can just send us over the edge! It’s so easy to get stuck having the same argument. Below you will find some statistics about what other couples argue about.
What do other couples argue about?
- 34% of married and cohabiting couples say that they argue about money / spending / investing and a survey found this to be the biggest issue for couples. (1)
- 25% of married and cohabiting couples say that they tend to argue about a spouse or partner’s insensitivity. (1)
- 5% of married and cohabiting couples argue at Christmas (1)
- 5% of married and cohabiting couples argue on holiday (1)
How often do couples argue?
- About 5% of married and cohabiting couple argue most days. About 24% of married and cohabiting couples argue 1 to 3 times per month. About 37% of couples argue less than 1 to 3 times per month. (1)
- About 80% of couples think that understanding and tolerance is very important to a relationship. (1)
Giving the 'silent treatment'
- A survey found that on average couples argue twice a week followed by a silent period of 2 hours and 14 minutes. Adding up to nearly 10 days a year spent in silence. (2)
- 6 out of 10 people prefer to sulk than admit they are wrong, kiss and make up. (2)
People's attitudes to arguing
- 76% of people believe that the odd spat is healthy to any relationship. (2)
- 66% of people believe that they get on better with their partner after they have made up. (2)
- More than 50% of people think that just saying 'I'm sorry' is enough to forgive and forget. (2)
References
- You Gov. (2007). Marriage and Divorce YouGov / Sunday Times Survey Results. Available from http://www.yougov.co.uk/extranets/ygarchives/content/archivesMain.asp?rID=4
- OnePoll. (2009). Rows. Available from http://www.onepoll.com/op_press_view.php?width=800&height=600&id=563
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Comments
Yes, I think this could be a good topic for the Talk it out section. My husband and I earned similar amounts before I had a baby, returned to work 4 days a week and then left after a year to be a full time mum. I always felt guilty about asking him for money every month - the mortgage still came out of my account! - and I also realised that you are no longer regarded as being a memberof the workforce so loose that area of commanality you had with your partner. It puts a big distance between you. He agreed that it was best for our child that I leave paid work but there was still a hint of resentment that he was the sole breadwinner and I didn't 'work'! I'm now back 'working' and getting paid for it! and feel much more 'on a level' with him. It is a power thing I think. Hope your partner gets regular work soon.
Helen
I am surprised that there are not more couples who argue about housework and walking the dog. I can see why money would be a big issue - especially when there isnt enough of it go to round. My OH and I used to earn the same amount of money but now he seldom has work and we have to do mostly everything on my wages. I didnt think it would matter but after about 4 years of this I realise that it does matter...a lot. I guess I should have put this in the Talk it Out section!!