Effective communication is always found in strong couple relationships. In fact, communication and quality couple relationships are so closely related that what influences one will likely influence the other. Communication problems predict unhappiness in marriage better than complaints in other areas. Distressed couples tend to use more destructive communication such as sarcastic remarks, criticism, complaining, commanding, disagreements, excuses and put downs. Happy couples are more likely to agree, approve and use humor and laughter.
Distressed couples spend more time fighting and about more things than happy couples.
Communication behaviors that predict winning a conflict are strongly associated with unhappiness in marriage. Less satisfied couples disclose more negative feelings to one another and are less likely to disclose at equal rates. Happy couples spend more time talking and discussing personal topics. Even though they spend more time fighting than nondistressed couples, distressed couples also avoid conflict more. Nondistressed couples exchange more rewards and fewer punishments than do distressed couples.