The Strong-Willed Spouse: When Being Right Can Make Everything Wrong
“Don’t be stubborn like a horse or mule. They need a bit and bridle in their mouth to restrain them, or they will not come near you.” Ps. 32:9
You’re in the middle of another argument with your partner. They’re driving you crazy. Can’t they see that you’re obviously right, and they’re so totally wrong? Their sense of logic confounds you. You can hardly believe that they aren’t budging from their stance. Why don’t they see that your way makes total sense, and their way is just, well… stupid?
You know it’s bad when even the smallest thing starts another round of bickering, tension and eye rolling — where to eat, what movie to see, whose responsibility is this or that, when-this-or-that was supposed to occur. What starts as a small difference in viewpoint ends up becoming a righteous, no-win, my way-or-the-highway yelling and screaming temper tantrum or an icy-cold, freeze-out.
How to recognize a strong-willed couple:
A good rule of thumb is that if you and your partner believe that your way is the only correct way, no matter how much evidence is presented.
Behavioral clues of a strong-willed couple:
Answering yes to more than one of the above items is a good indicator that you and/or your partner are strong-willed.
Helpful questions to ask:
Six Ways to Stop Power Struggles:
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