Thanks so much for your detailed response, Carol! I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts with me. I think you’re right to point out that arguments are sometimes little more than attempts to control or influence other people. I also believe, though, that arguments between romantic partners can be, and sometimes are, about more than this. In some cases, arguments are a reflection of deep-seated differences (in values, expectations, experiences, plans, etc.) coming to the surface. Compromise is essential to producing and maintaining a healthy, functioning relationship—absolutely. Having said that, and as far as I can tell, there are often ‘non-negotiables’ in a relationship, i.e., things that one or both of the people are unwilling to budge on because such things are simply too significant to the person/people to be abandoned (e.g., whether to have children). These non-negotiables differ with each person or couple. Cheers :)