Right Fighting in Marriage

Right fighting Adobe stock Cute Young Couple ArguingAre you a “right fighter?” When you’re conflicting with your spouse, do you keep fighting about the issue at hand until you feel you’ve made the point clear that you are right, and he or she is wrong? If you’re doing that, then yes, you are right fighting.

It’s also arguing to such a degree that you would much rather prove you are right, than to work on saving the relationship. Perhaps it’s you that does this, or perhaps it’s your spouse that does the “right fighting.” Either way, it can certainly damage your marriage relationship.

That’s why we’re delving into this matter again (we did so a number of years ago). We’ve heard of so many couples who get involved in right fighting with each other. So, we feel the tug of the Lord to revisit this issue again. If you’ve fallen into this temptation or you know another couple who has done this (and you can pass this Insight onto them), please give the following info your prayerful consideration. So:

What is Right Fighting and Who is a Right Fighter?

Those are good questions!

“A right-fighter is someone who struggles to win arguments, even if they doubt their own view. A right-fighter is someone who gets overly emotional or angry when people don’t agree with their opinions. Someone who is a right-fighter insists on having the last word in an argument or refuses to back down no matter what.” (From the article, “Are You a Right Fighter?”)

We’re reminded of the scripture:

A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions.(Proverbs 18:2) Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.(Proverbs 26:12)

We can see this in action when “being right” is more important than doing what is right. That is right fighting!

What’s More Important?

“Right fighters only care about being right. Whatever the argument is, as long as they’re right (or think they’re right), they’ll keep the argument going until the other person concedes they’re right. At some point the topic of the argument is lost. All that matters is that their point of view is accepted as the right one. In the end, that’s what they end up fighting for more than anything else.” (From the Families.com article, “Right Fighting”)

We actually heard about this concept when Dr Phil talked about this on his TV show, telling his listeners, the “right-fighter has a goal of conforming all around her/him to an understanding of the one ‘correct’ and ‘only’ perspective in an argument.”

We Confess

Steve and I used to both be “right fighters.” I admit though, that I was more of one than he was because I could go on and on in arguing. I can more readily convey my thoughts faster than Steve. (He is more gifted in other areas of life, but not as much in conveying his points as quickly when we’re conflicting.) As a result of this, I would run right over Steve verbally. Eventually he would just give up because of his frustration just to make it all stop. Sadly, because of this, he often didn’t feel heard or validated. This is not a point I’m proud to confess.

We didn’t realize something that Dr John Grey often points out: “’winning’ at the other’s expense is a net loss for the relationship.” And it is. It sure was for us, until we both woke up to the destruction we were causing in our relationship when we would get caught up into “right fighting.”

With many tough times behind us, we (especially I) have been learning to slow things down and look at the total picture —that God would have us, rather than just our shortsighted reasoning.

Talking AND Listening

Resolving conflict within the marriage is more about talking AND listening, rather than talking AT each other to the bitter end —without doing much listening (with “bitter” being the operative word). Just because one partner can out-argue or talk faster than the other (until he or she is confused), that doesn’t mean the quieter one in conveying his or her thoughts is “wrong” and the other is “right.” As a matter of fact, we explain this a bit more in the following Marriage Message:

ARGUING: WIN BUT STILL LOSE

The point is, that right fighting, as writer and family counselor Agnes Vrieze writes, can be “crazy-making.” She goes on to say,

“Before you know it you’re pulled into something that feels like a competition. The philosophy of a right-fighter is ‘in order for me to be right, you need to be wrong.‘ There is energy, a heat that comes out… after all, it’s a fight and someone has to win. In their [or your] case, it always has to be them [or you].” (From her blog article, “Dealing with a Right Fighter”)

Is There Really a Winner When Right Fighting is Involved?

I’m wondering though, how is it worth it to feel like a winner who told “my spouse a thing or two” when in order to do so, I have to make my spouse into a loser? As I look back, I now admit this is really messed up thinking. It can cause a lot of harm to our spouse’s feelings. Writer and counselor Gary Oliver wrote about what he learned on this matter (in the book, “Mad About Us”) saying,

“Early in our marriage I learned that I could be right but go about being right in a wrong or an unhealthy way. In the intensity of an emotional discussion, it’s easy to say things or do things or express ourselves in a tone of voice that discounts and wounds our partner. Over the next few years, I discovered that there were some things I needed to apologize for. My intentions had been good, but my words had wounded the person I loved the most.”

What’s Most Important?

Matthew L. Jacobson makes a great point on this in his web site article, “Just because You’re Right …Doesn’t Mean You’re Not Destroying Your Marriage.” (We recommend you read his whole article —it’s great!) Here’s a portion of what he wrote:

“Do you truly care about the truth of what you were discussing with your husband or wife … or is it really about winning —about being the victor, again? Are you sure pressing your advantage wasn’t more about pride than what was best for your relationship? You don’t have to guess. In Proverbs 13:10 says, contention comes from pride.

“You’re not experiencing contention with your spouse because ‘truth’ is on the line. It’s happening because you are both prideful.

“Being right and being prideful are often two ends of the same stick we use to bludgeon our way to winning. The ‘truth’ can be very deceiving as we convince ourselves it’s the most vital element in any argument. But it’s important to be correct, isn’t it? Yes, it is. But when it comes to disagreements in marriage, there is something that trumps truth and arguing your spouse into the corner.

“That’s right, sometimes emphasizing how right we are is far less important than how much we value our spouse. Beating him/her with the club of correctness won’t get the job done. It will, however, get a job done. It will beat us apart from one another. Is that what you want? Being right …and alone …separated emotionally (and often physically) from the person you pledged your life to?”

Marrying Lifestyles

Instead of fighting to the point of pushing us farther apart, isn’t marriage supposed to be a lifetime commitment of “marrying” lifestyles and ideas so that TOGETHER (as well as individually) you put a stronger foot forward as you step into the future? Isn’t it about the principle of “we won’t always think alike, but we are committed to ‘think together’ as marriage partners?”

If you’re a right fighter, and/or your spouse is one, here are a few suggestions, gleaned from various resources:

Don’t Despair! You Can Overcome Right Fighting

“This habit does NOT have to define you. You are capable of releasing this habit at any time Action Step: …Begin to imagine what conflict would be like if the outcome was not important. Begin to allow others to hold one opinion and you another without having ill or hurt feelings. What would life be like to be loved, cared for and respected rather than being ‘right’? Try validating others’ opinions as equally valuable. This doesn’t mean you must agree, only to say ‘yes’ you and your view are as valuable as mine.” (From the familyresource.com article, “Are You a Right Fighter”) 

Conflict is Certain, Right Fighting Doesn’t Have to Be

“The old saying is that nothing is as certain as death or taxes. Conflict in marriage is. But we can choose to fight to the bitter end or to a BETTER end. The ability to resolve conflict is an essential ingredient of a healthy marriage.” (Gary Inrig) Choose your battles wisely, and learn when it’s important to work it through, and when it’s important to just let it go.

Tips from Agnes Vrieze:

“Identify the right-fighter and don’t engage… When looped in, stop… It’s not necessary to keep discussing because it will only become a competition or fight.

“Everyone has his or her own unique perspective of the same situation. Respect that they see it from their particular view and experience. This doesn’t make it truth…

“Review your own opinion for possible places to change or adapt your particular position. Staying humble… be willing to look at all sides of the discussion.”

Sarah Michaels writes:

“Be consistent. Use your ‘I feel’ words. Express what YOU feel and ask what he [she] feels in the heat of the moment…” This “lets him [or her] know that you are showing your feelings and also concerned about his [or hers]. It also shows that you value his [or her] opinion.” (From the article, “Fighting Right VS Right Fighting”)

—I don’t know who wrote the linked article below, but it contains things to prayerfully consider on this issue. This includes additional points that address the question: “How Does One Break the Habit Of Right-Fighting?”

RIGHT-FIGHTING

— On this whole matter Dr Phil says:

“You can choose to be right…or you can choose to be happy. I vote for the latter —but hey, it’s your call. The next time you get frustrated, look in the mirror and ask yourself, ‘How’s that working for you?’”

Remember, as it Pertains to Right Fighting:

There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death(Proverbs 16:25).

Sometimes proving to your spouse that your way is the “right” way can cause a death in your relationship.

Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing(Proverbs 12:18).

When in conflict, Stop, Look, Listen and THEN Proceed to work towards the goal of resolving the conflict in wiser, healthier ways.

Cindy and Steve Wright

— ADDITIONALLY —

To help you further, we give a lot of personal stories, humor, and more practical tips in our book, 7 ESSENTIALS to Grow Your Marriage. We hope you will pick up a copy for yourself. (It’s available both electronically and in print form.) Plus, it can make a great gift for someone else. It gives you the opportunity to help them grow their marriage. And who doesn’t need that? Just click on the linked title or the picture below:

7 Essentials - Marriage book

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Comments

10 responses to “Right Fighting in Marriage

  1. David, from South Africa wrote: Thank you so very very much for your advice, which has kept my marriage alive. It is true that we have our own regrets, but I have learnt to commit them to the Lord because even if I keep them in my mind they will only poison my mind. Again, thank you and God bless, David

  2. What a blessing to my heart. This is Jesus. He does speak in so many ways. My partner and I are facing the same problem. I pray that Jesus changes his heart.

  3. My wife destroyed our marriage by not letting me speak and being right all the time. I wish this had been addressed 14 years ago. I can’t trust her anymore.

  4. My son divorced his wife; there was a lot of “right fighting” happening. I see it developing in his 9 year old son; what can be done to help him develop other ways to communicate?

    1. So sorry Mary that you are experiencing this in your family. This has to be especially difficult to see “right fighting” developing in your grandson (as he saw modeled in his parents marriage). You ask what can be done to help him get out of this habit (and not develop it into a hardcore habit in the future).

      Honestly Mary, we’re not sure. Children often grab onto habits that they see modeled (& most likely will be continued to be modeled). But don’t give up hope. First off, a grandparent can be very influential in guiding their grandchildren in positive ways — a praying grandparent, especially.

      I would contact the ministry of Focus on the Family at focusonthefamily.com (since they work with children) and ask them this question. Hopefully, you will find some tips that could guide you. This will be a long haul issue. But it’s worth every effort and prayer you put into it. Plus, his future wife will call you blessed if you are able to help him avoid this horrible habit.

      I pray the Lord guides you and helps you in this important issue.

  5. I have been with my spouse for 5 years. We always run into conflicts, which seem to run in a never ending circle. He has always prioritized being right over everything else his whole life. Since this is a very specific type of way of arguing, I have found myself roped in as well. However, I’m not as quick of a thinker when it comes to right-fighting, which always gives him the upper hand (to be fair, he is right more than I’d like to admit).

    I never understood the root of our problem. However, this article blatantly spells it out. I’m excited to discuss this with my husband and hopefully both of us realize that this is the primary issue in our marriage and we can actively fix this issue together. P.S. reading Proverbs together will clearly also be the answer.

  6. I have read and I think I have gained a lot of knowledge. I am in this marriage, which has lasted 17 years. Last year, my husband just parked his belongings and went away. He does not talk to me but he tells people that he will never come back. I have prayed over it and still waiting for the Lord to answer me but it is too painful when the children ask you, why did dad decide to go. My heart is bleeding.

    1. So, so sad for you. I pray your husband wakes up and gives your marriage and family life another chance. I just heard a radio program today where the couple was testifying that they were divorced for 3 years and the Lord talked to their hearts individually and then they talked together and decided to give their marriage another chance. I’ve heard similar testimonies.

      I’m not trying to give you false hope here. Your husband has a free will. But if you keep praying, God will keep talking to your husband and who knows? Perhaps he will even listen and contact you. So, pray and be prepared in case. Work on your own issues with the Lord’s guidance (obviously you can’t work on his) so you are better able to work with him on issues you can’t work on alone. This will draw you closer to God (which is ALWAYS a good thing) and will help you to be a better person and future partner.

      Please know that my heart bleeds with yours. This is such a heartbreaking situation when the other spouse will not even talk to you to help work out the issues you had in your marriage. Having a husband leave you that you have been together with for 17 years, with several children that love their dad, and also feel abandoned and are affected by his absence is so, so difficult to work through. I pray the Lord ministers to your heart and helps and guides you.

      “May God Himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The One who calls you is faithful and He will do it. (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24) Please keep in mind: “Even in the darkness light dawns for the upright…” (Psalm 112:4) I pray the Lord helps you, guides you, comforts you, speaks to you, and works in and through you in this situation. I also pray God infuses hope into your heart that you will eventually experience better days –ones that will bring a smile to your heart.

  7. My husband and I have been married for three years, both second marriages. I have noticed the same arguments over and over. I try and tell him about something I’m struggling with in his behaviour but more often than not it’s met with ‘no I don’t do that.” I am not sure if it’s me but I’m feeling frustrated and hurt by his lack of understanding toward the way I’m feeling. Am I being the “right fighter”? I am not sure I am confused by it all.

    1. Hi Colleen, I’m not sure of the advice to give you. But from what I read and perceive, I can well understand why you are so frustrated. My heart goes out to you. We can go through a lot of frustrating times in our marriages. I pray you are able to get to a better place soon.

      As far as your question to us, all I can say is that perhaps you are “right fighting” or perhaps it’s just a difficult adjustment time that you are going through in your marriage (for various reasons). I don’t know. I’m not all knowing. But I do know that every marriage goes through adjustment times where we need to work on marrying our different approaches to the same situations. Marriage is hard and second marriages are even harder. The thing that’s important is that you keep working through the tough stuff to get to a better place. It’s like mining for gold. You may go through some tough, tough stuff to get to a better place where you hit gold in your relationship.

      It may be that your expectations need adjusting or maybe your approach to the situations needs to change. It can be a case by case matter. In our 51+ year marriage we’ve been through both many, many of those types of situations. But we’ve made it this far (and prayerfully, much, much farther) because we just keep persevering. And we have a great marriage, but we still have to work at it or it can all go bad. I pray the same for you that you and your husband get to this place of having a great marriage. Just be flexible and persistent in finding a way through the tough stuff.

      I encourage you to look through this web site to read some things that might help you. Just apply the gleaning principle. Please realize that not all marital advice is helpful for your marriage. Some advice will work for some marriages and not for others. Some will work, some won’t, and some needs to be adjusted so it works for your relationship. Even the advice WE give may not apply to your particular circumstances. So don’t try to apply everything we say to your marriage, unless God shows you it is what you can and should use. Pray, look around the web site, and read what you believe God would have you. And then apply the gleaning principle and apply the tips you believe would work for your marriage. And if it doesn’t, then keep persevering for the answer. The only “advice” that is steadfast is that, which comes from the Bible. All other advice is up for grabs.

      As it applies to marriage situations, realize that it is a lifetime of working on marrying your differences. You and your husband are two very different people. You have to find different ways of marrying your differences so you are both satisfied. I encourage you to continually pray this prayer and apply it’s principles: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; the courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference.” I hope this helps.