Love & Dating

Relationship Issues: Watching Television

Does watching television cause unnecessary relationship problems time and time again? Does the remote control also start an argument? Well, here we look at why these arguments start, the physiology beneath the problems, and how best to solve these relationship issues. Enlarge

Relationship Issues: Watching Television

Does watching television cause unnecessary relationship problems time and time again? Does the remote control also start an argument? Well, here we look at why these arguments start, the physiology beneath the problems, and how best to solve these relationship issues.

Step 1: The Problem

This argument is about one person dominating the remote control, and always watching what they want to on the television, leading to sulks and moody behaviour from the losing party.

Step 2: What it's really about

This is perhaps the classic 'who's the boss?' argument. It quickly boils down to the issue of control in a relationship, and about both voices being heard, and being lent equal weight. One might feel ignored and unheard, leading to uncommunicative, sullen behaviour- which makes the other feel guilty.

Step 3: The solution

Sulking is the worst thing to do if you have lost control in your relationship, or don't feel listened to. Be more assertive. You need to confront your partner, and calmly state your case- clearly and rationally. Try and see how communication is key to any relationship, and the lack of it can be immediately divisive. And never sulk! It does not solve anything.