How to Argue So Your Spouse Will Listen: 6 Principles for Turning Arguments into Conversations Book

Introduction: What Is This Book Based On?     ix
Why We Love and Argue the Way We Do
So You Argue     3
The Power of a Couple's Arguments
What Keeps Us Close and Connected     15
The Inner Workings of Our Relationship System
Dragons and Vulnerabilities     39
The Hidden Meanings that Fuel Our Arguments
Anatomy of an Argument     65
What Happens to Our Hearts, Minds, and Bodies
When Our Relationship Alarms Sound Off
The Ineffective Ways We Argue     87
Learn Better Ways to Be Heard and Understood
Six Principles for Arguing So Your Spouse Will Listen
Principle One: Create a Safe Place     115
Principle Two: Soften Reactions and Comfort Dragons     127
Principle Three: Talk, Listen, and Understand     141
Principle Four: Complain Constructively     157
Principle Five: Make Amends     171
Principle Six: Reconnect and Enjoy Each Other     189
A Final Note from Dr. Sharon Morris May     207
Notes     209
About the Author     211