Although it is not a particularly funny subject, we can look back at the emotional battles of any type of relationship and see a certain amount of absurdity and drama that exists when tensions run high and have a good laugh after everyone has cooled off.
Even the strongest of marriages and/or friendships teeter on the edge of a love/hate relationship at times. The interaction of people are, in general, very complicated . . . it is human nature. It is rare for two people to totally agree on everything without disagreements. The secret is to learn how to deal with each other effectively before the disagreements become real hate and resentment to the point of splitting up.
According to Cherilynn Veland in an article for Psych Central, here are some of the most common reasons for compounded negativity in relationships:
One partner thinks that the way they feel and there way of doing things is the right way. This means they are not open to listening and behaving differently. In this situation, compromise is not a value of one of the members.
Disconnection from the other’s feelings; chaos, manipulation and egocentricity; and sometimes cruelty.
Festering emotional wounds that never get talked about; or when they are, the other person tries to argue away the other person’s emotions.
Unequal partnerships. One person feels like he or she is doing it all. In couples with children, this can understandably lead to MAJOR resentment and anger.
Stress. Big-time breaker of even really good couples. If you don’t manage stress, it will cause difficulties in functioning and difficulties in the relationship.
Big differences on big life issues like: parenting, finances, in-laws.
Debilitating and dysfunctional family of origin issues that emerge and reemerge unaddressed . Issues from one’s original family and attachment relationships can get projected onto the spouse or onto other family relationships, like the kids. This will cause conflict.
Having little respect or not showing respect for your partner.
Being with someone who is narcissistic and has little self-insight.
Now this list is not exhaustive and doesn’t include abusive behavior (including verbal abuse) either.
Believe it or not, she also states that feelings of "hate" are normal in some situations. However, even the rockiest of relationships can grow as you develop better communication, gradually change behaviors through compromise and learn how to forgive.
It helps if both parties have lots of love for each other and a strong desire to make it work.
