The interaction of these couples is characterized by ease and calm.
Volatile couples are intensely emotional.
Their debating is characterized by a lot of laughter, shared amusement, and humor.
Haley Powers
They seem to love to debate and argue, but they are not disrespectful and insulting.
An important aspect about conflict-avoiding couples is in the balance between independence and interdependence.
They have clear boundaries, and are separate people with separate interests.
Conflict-avoiders are very rarely emotionally expressive and like to keep things to themselves.
But their main challenge is fighting their instinctive urge to sweep uncomfortable topics under the rug.
Hostile couples are like validators, except there are high levels of defensiveness on the part of both partners.
Haley Powers
These couples are like two armies engaged in a mutually frustrating and lonely standoff.
They snipe at one another during conflict, although the air is one of emotional detachment and resignation.
