Women With This Trait Don’t Just Stay Married — They’re Happier In It, Says Psychologist
Hoi An Photography | Unsplash Too many women are afraid to disagree in a relationship. “It’s not even worth it to tell him my opinion because he won’t agree with me, and we will fight. I hate fighting,” is what I hear all too often. And I understand. I don’t like to fight, I’m not too fond of bickering, and I do enjoy a warm, peaceful existence with my spouse. Yet, I know that when I don’t verbalize my strong opinions in my relationship, it makes my relationship worse.
Assertive women don't just stay married; they're happier in it.
The good news is there's actually solid science that proves this. Research found that assertiveness and relationship satisfaction are connected in this super strong way, almost perfectly correlated, which basically means couples who say what they really think are way happier than couples who stay quiet to avoid rocking the boat. When you actually speak up about what you think and feel instead of swallowing it down to keep the peace, you're building a stronger relationship.
If I refuse to disagree, my voice is lost, and I feel resentful. Then my spouse senses my resentment, pulls away from me, and we are in one miserable loop. Wouldn't it be better to think carefully about what matters to me, share it with my partner calmly and thoughtfully, and then stand behind my opinion, whether he agrees with it? That leads to me feeling more confident, him knowing where I stand, and the two of us using that opinion to have a deeper discussion with each other.
When couples tell me that they never disagree, I know that there’s a problem. The problem is that one of them isn’t being honest. Disagreements in a relationship can lead to stronger, happier relationships because you both have a voice, you are both expressing yourself, and hopefully, as a couple, you are coming to some type of resolution.
Hiding your opinions will only lead to bickering about silly things or passive-aggressive behavior. Neither is good for you or your relationship.
Why are we so afraid to assert ourselves?
Darina Belonogova / Pexels
The most common reason is that we are afraid that our significant other won’t love us anymore. And actually, they might be right ... they might not love you anymore. But what’s the alternative? Pretend you are someone you're not. Live lies so that they still love you or stay with you?
The healthiest relationships are the ones in which couples are honest with each other, disagree on some issues, and stay together despite those disagreements. Some of us have spent most of our lives being “good girls” and keeping our opinions to ourselves.
We think it isn’t polite to share our opinion or to disagree, but that’s anything but the truth. Using our voices in a clear, polite, and assertive manner is the way to our own confidence and happiness, and ultimately the route to the happiest relationships.
Because here’s the thing: Don’t you want to be with someone who loves you because of your strong opinions, even if they disagree with you?
Find the right frame of mind for a calm-but-assertive discussion
So speak up. Just don’t do it when you are all worked up. Get yourself into a calmer space, listen to responses or rebuttals, keep an open mind, and stay confident that what you have to say is important and worthwhile. And never settle for a relationship where someone doesn't value your opinion.
According to a 2016 study, when you speak up assertively, it seriously boosts your happiness because you're taking control of your own life. The study showed that assertiveness builds self-confidence and improves your relationships, which means you end up way happier because you're actually getting your needs met instead of swallowing everything down until you explode.
Lisa Kaplin is a psychologist, certified professional life and executive coach, and a highly experienced corporate speaker. She helps people overcome stress and overwhelm in order to find joy in their personal lives and success and meaning in their professional lives.
