… that avoiding conflict is keeping the peace, but in reality, it’s setting the stage for unresolved issues to fester. When you and your partner sweep disagreements under the rug, those issues don’t go away; they just linger in the background, waiting to resurface. Licensed marriage counselor Dr. John Gottman points out that avoiding conflict can lead to resentment, as emotional needs remain unmet. Over time, this can build a barrier between you, making meaningful communication feel impossible. What starts as an effort to keep things calm might end up creating an emotional chasm.
This habit of …