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Marriage, like most relationships, is all about communication, building trust, being vulnerable, and fighting off hordes of orcs back-to-back on a mountaintop. Or is that just us? But like childcare, politics, and the weather, everybody seems to have an opinion about marriage. What works. What doesn’t. What you should strive to do.

Unfortunately, a lot of that advice is absolutely bogus, as sociologist Samuel Perry from the University of Oklahoma drew attention to on Twitter. The scholar asked social media users to share the very worst marriage advice they’ve ever gotten and kicked things off with an example of his own about how couples should supposedly not go to bed angry.

Check out some of the best tweets below, upvote the ‘advice’ that you think is absolutely ridiculous, and share your own pearls of wisdom about marriage in the comment section below. And remember—happy panda, happy life!

Image credits: socofthesacred

#2

People-Share-Worst-Marriage-Advice

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Vicky Z
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These terrible advices make people stay in abusive relationships and that's sad

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Lunaofthenest
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So true. Let's not forget that old classic "imagine how awful you'd feel if he *stopped* acting jealous?" Legit terrible advice from my MIL.

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Bobby
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think it's more of a when you stop caring to fight. By which mean you don't care to make your opinion known, or voice disagreement.

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Carol Emory
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's when you stop talking, the relationship is over. What do you think marriage counselors are for..to get you to start talking to each other again.

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QueenMiri
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you start fighting that's when the relationship is over. A real and healthy relationship is peaceful and full of love. Stop that toxic bullshit. Who wants to live in constant pain?!

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Mewton’s Third Paw
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That’s an unrealistic expectation. If you could fight with a sibling or friend, it’s unfair and delusional to think you wouldn’t fight with your own spouse. Some people don’t fight and some fight all the time. Neither of them mean the ending of a relationship. Your comment should be on this list.

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chrissy goodman
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i was in an abusive relationship a week after i got out of it and spending a week thinking no nice men exsisted for me i met the man who is now my husband. my anxeity and low confidence causes me to make mistakes that annoy him and fustrate him but he has never yelled he just brings it to my attention we talk about it and try to figure out how i can over come the low confidence and anxeity so my little mistakes dont happen. he knows that yelling or fighting will make things worse for me but bc he cares he treats any disagreement with delicate talking. thats a sturdy marriage wen both sides understand each other. he doesnt yell cuz he knows itll freak me out and i dont yell or hide in a corner bc i kno wats bothering him will never get resolved that way

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Tami
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Although, if you never have disagreements it could mean that one person is holding back their needs and opinions.

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Rens
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I suffered terrible abuse in both my marriage and the first relationship after my divorce. I'm with an amazing guy now; we talked about everything so far, absolutely no disagreements. We met just before the first lockdown in the UK and if we could survive lockdown together, we could survive anything! Honesty, good communication and us both willing to put as much effort into the relationship as each other.

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abby smink
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think it's more "when you just don't care enough to fight" about something that maybe you should at least discuss

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Estelle Giles-Monroe
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We stopped the fighting and are more comfortable with the decision to separate and live our lives apart while agreeing to support the children. It comes with little sadness because we recognized how different we've become and still focus on the children. Sometimes this happens when people naturally grow apart

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El muerto
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

yet I don't think is about abuse...sometimes a relationship is dead in the water when people keeps everything bottled up. just stay because is a habit and never talk about what each one wants...no relationship is smooth all the time. a couple that don't disagree ever, might have a lot of problems under the surface and nobody is getting what they need

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Carrie Roettger
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My husband and I have learned not to sweat the small stuff. We've had some rocky test but at some point we realized that most of what we fought over was inconsequential. We've been married for almost 28 years, I'm disabled with an ultimately terminal illness. We've got bigger things to worry about than petty little things. We still argue sometimes but most of the time it's over in a couple of minutes and they're about one of us not taking care of ourselves like we should. I never really got relationship advice from anyone.

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WhatEvenIsLife
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My first few relationships were high drama. Been with my husband for ten years now; he and I hardly ever argue, and it's the best relationship I've ever been in. More in love with him now than ever.

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Nona Bgo
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I stayed in an abusive relationship for years because I was told "fighting is communicating". No, it's not. My husband and I never fight and we're doing fine.

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Izzy_
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Haha I wondered that too. I tell my husband, "let's have a fight, something's not right here." When we do "argue" is when we can't decide what to eat and we want the other to pick....then we realize how stupid we must look arguing about being nice and letting the other person choose dinner XD

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Mimi M
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This has a grain of truth to it, but it's stated the wrong way. I'd put it: 'When either partner stops telling the other partner about what upsets them, the relationship is over'.

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Jen Cook
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think this may be out of context sometimes. I'm lowkey and not a fighter but I think that the "when the fighting stops..." advice is true, it's about not caring enough about the relationship to be invested in it anymore. It doesn't have to be a literal knock out fight, it's about wanting to fight for something you're passionate about and genuinely wanting to understand your partners differing opinion, when you stop caring about that, it can be trouble.

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Grandma Shark
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Been happily married for 37 years. We had disagreements and a few serious ( word) fights. Still it was always clear that we love eachother a lot. We are two individuals with their own background who live together. Nothing wrong with discussions or a bit of trouble. I think what was intended here was, when you just don't care anymore to go in to an argument and just live along side eachother, it's time to give up.

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Priest Olokun
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Am so happy that I contacted priest olokun who was able to bring back my ex within 48hours, Now i am happy to make a good testimony about this powerful spell caster that helped my love life if you have any kind of problem you can contact via email priestolokun(@)gmail

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Priest Olokun
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Am so happy that I contacted priest olokun who was able to bring back my ex within 48hours, Now i am happy to make a good testimony about this powerful spell caster that helped my love life if you have any kind of problem you can contact via: priestolokun@gmail.com

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Seabeast
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some people mistake drama for "passion". They think a relationship where the couple rarely fight lacks passion.

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Ivana
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Been with my husband for 13 years. Only had one period where we were fighting regularly. I was working full-time and finishing up my graduate degree and my dad was dying and I was his primary care giver so I would leave the house around 6am and not get home until around 11pm 6 days a week. The first two years were manageable but the last year of that broke us. We were toxic to each other and incredibly miserable. Lasted about 7 months of pure hell. Before that, I could count our fights on one hand. Back to our normal selves. Haven't had a fight in just over a year now and I can promise you that the only time I ever thought our relationship could be over was during that 7 months when we were both just emotionally drained and fighting.

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Mimi M
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Maybe make a plan for next time things are that challenging, so that it doesn't happen again.

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Faith Hurst
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My husband and I never fight. It's been a great 15 years with someone who understands that misunderstandings and bad moves don't have to turn loud or violent.

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Louloubelle
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My parents were married over 40 years, before my mother's death. In all that time, I could count on one hand the number of arguments that I saw them have. They were just very in sync in their thoughts.

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Felix Feline
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My wife and I have never fought, or even had an argument. We're adults, not little children.

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#3

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Vicky Z
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Good sleep is really important!being tired means possible fighting so as long as it works for you don't hear anyone

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I previously had a chat about keeping the bonds of marriage strong with Suzann Pileggi Pawelski and her husband James Pawelski, the authors of 'Happy Together: Using the Science of Positive Psychology to Build Love That Lasts.' 

"While it’s critical we all social distance, we must make sure not to emotionally distance with our friends and family. Positive psychology research indicates that one of the most important factors in human flourishing is building close relationships with others,” Suzie and James told Bored Panda.

#4

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Vicky Z
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a kid with divorced parents i have to say this is the most horrible advice!! Kids always know and understand EVERYTHING!

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#5

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Vicky Z
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In my country there is a saying that says "man is the head and woman is the neck that turns the head wherever she wants" I don't know if it exists in other languages...

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#6

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Vicky Z
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm pretty sure there are schools somewhere teaching that, cause i know too many men that do that!

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“A wedding is a magical day no doubt, and of course something to celebrate, but what about planning for all the days to come in our marriage which is intended to last a lifetime? Many newlyweds seem to think that ‘happily ever after’ just happens. However, research shows it’s healthy habits that build long-term love," the couple explained that we have to work at relationships; they’re not something that automatically turns out great.

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Vicky Z
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Exactly! And there is no "helping" the wife with the housework! You don't "help", you share chores that you are both supposed to do!

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"It’s interesting that it’s the only domain in our lives where we think that success will just happen without much effort of our own. For example, when it comes to our physical health, it would be foolish to think that merely buying a gym membership and working out once would strengthen our muscles and build flexibility (if only that were the case!).”

#11

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Don't Look
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm so tired of the holy matrimony and sacred crap with marriage. Marriage is a legal issue. You want to involve the church? Good on you! My experience has been that the church has no place in marriage.

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The couple said: “We all know that in order to increase our strength and tone our bodies we have to work at it regularly. So, too, when it comes to our relational health. However, popular culture seems to romanticize marriage making people think that once you get married you can merely ride off into the sunset together. That’s obviously not the case. It takes work.”

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#13

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Vicky Z
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3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In some cases i think it's true not always of course! Edit: I'm referring to misogynist cultures that don't respect human rights of course! i just didn't want to be more specific cause i didn't want anyone to be offended! But these cultures in a marriage are always a deal breaker!

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#15

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Vicky Z
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The correct is you shouldn't need anyone period. Once you are good with yourself then you can have a healthier relationship with someone else!

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The couple sees marriage as an adventure. A challenging one but an adventure nonetheless. "Being open, curious, and having a growth mindset about ourselves, and our partners will help us be able to better navigate together in marriage. Marriage isn’t an end state but rather a beginning. It’s a process and a life-long journey. The more we seek to understand ourselves and our partners, the better equipped we will be to travel together on this beautiful, yet often challenging adventure."

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#18

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There are various exercises that help strengthen relationships. Suzie and James shared a few of them with Bored Panda.

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"They can focus on what they put into the relationship rather than what they get out of it. Truly happy couples realize that happily ever after doesn’t just happen but that it takes effort. These couples focus on action steps they can take to improve their relational happiness rather than relying on their partner to fulfill them,” was their first tip.

#19

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Vicky Z
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I try not to go to bed angry... i usually say at least goodnight even if i mean f**k you!😅😅😅😅

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“They can share good secrets with each other. They can practice sharing important things about themselves that they have never previously revealed to each other. It might be a childhood memory, a life-changing experience, or a vivid dream. Perhaps it’s a hope for the future or a fantasy. It can be lighthearted or serious. The important thing is that they authentically share with one another something meaningful. It’s imperative that couples are curious, open, and welcoming of the secrets and nonjudgmental. By doing so, couples will feel safe and will strengthen their connection,” relationship experts Suzie and James shared.

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#23

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Vicky Z
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why isn't an option? Are we royals or something?and nowadays even royals get divorce!

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#24

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QueenMiri
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Again. Bullshit. Cut out the toxic. Blood relation means nothing.

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“They can 'prioritize positivity' rather than just wait around for happiness to happen. In other words, they can schedule activities into their day that evoke joy and fulfillment. In the beginning of a relationship, we naturally experience a high level of positive emotions. As a relationship develops, we can’t expect to naturally experience the same frequency of 'high-arousal' positive emotions like amusement and joy. Rather we must notice what tends to lead to these feelings and then schedule those activities into our daily lives. Think back to the beginning of the relationship and those things that you enjoyed doing together as a couple and make it a priority to schedule them into your day. Also, try out something new that interests both of you. Research shows that seeking out and engaging in fun, exhilarating, and novel activities can increase mutual attraction and promote a healthy passion in intimate relationships.”

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What’s more, couples can create a ‘Positive relationship portfolio. “It entails gathering some of the key mementos, pictures, cards, letters, etc. that remind you specifically of your significant other and how special he/she is, and how important your relationship is. Once you put together the positive relationship portfolio you then spend 15 minutes each day for a week savoring and basking in the positive emotions that these items evoke in you. This exercise helps us rekindle those positive emotions that we had during the honeymoon phase, remembering all the great things about our partner and how important he/she is.”

#28

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WilvanderHeijden
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No one is perfect. The secret is to love someone with their imperfections instead of despite their imperfections.

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#29

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Vicky Z
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In my country we say the opposite! First year you are deep into honey and then you are deep into s**t😒😒😒 not very optimistic i know!

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#30

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Kevin Donegan
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I grew up in Montana. I stayed with my best college friend on their 50,000 acre cattle ranch regularly. Every night my friend's mother would come downstairs just to say goodnight. She looked like she was attending an Oscar awards performance (the hair and makeup). I asked my friend, "Why does your mom put on makeup and do her hair before going to bed?" My friend said, "My mom just wants to look nice for my dad." They were married for 70 years and sold the ranch ranch for $24,000,000. They're happy.

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Note: this post originally had 108 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.

The couple also shared that it’s a must to continue seeing old and new strengths in our partners as time goes by. “It seems that in the beginning of the relationship we notice one another’s strengths and see our partner’s differences as intriguing as evidenced perhaps by marathon conversations that last long into the evening. However, after some time we often fall into a rut, stop asking questions, and think we know all there is about our partner. What perhaps we once saw as intriguing differences we now see as annoying deficits! That’s dangerous to a relationship. It’s important to continue asking questions and seeing strengths in our partner to help build a stronger bond."