These threats of overwhelming love cause fears which result in withdrawal, arguments, and undermining of the love. Sarnoff and Sarnoff believe we need to be constantly aware of the fear of love in order to counter its destructive effects on love. They do not see marital problems resulting from childhood experiences, bad parenting, abuse, or early conditioning. They recommend many ways of countering these fears at each stage. The male is the boss.
Emotional involvement is only average.
Wife works, no children. They don't socialize much but get along with in-laws. Average amount of love and conflict, but the decision-making is truly shared. Both work and like their jobs. Little conflict but little love too.