Do we fight too much?

How much fighting is normal?

Research says the average couple has 312 arguments per year (~6 per week), mostly about small things.

What's normal

• 0-2/week: Below average — very harmonious or possibly conflict-avoidant
• 3-7/week: Average — typical couple disagreement range
• 8-12/week: Above average — high conflict but not necessarily unhealthy
• 12+/week: High conflict — consider couples counseling

Gottman research

• It's not WHETHER you fight — it's HOW you fight
• Healthy couples have a 5:1 ratio of positive to negative interactions
• The Four Horsemen (criticism, contempt, defensiveness, stonewalling) predict divorce with 94% accuracy
• Top argument topics: chores, money, quality time, and in-laws

Sources: Gottman Institute, OnePoll/CenturyLink survey (312/year), Markman et al. (2010).