Interesting, in the fact that small acts could define a relationship. Less interesting from a global perspective of a relationship. I don't think (but I may be

Interesting, in the fact that small acts could define a relationship. Less interesting from a global perspective of a relationship. I don't think (but I may be wrong) that a lot of people take fights at random (the med school example looks very dumb, to me) unless there's a underlying cause. And, learning to give _and accept_ criticism is as important as well. It's very easy IMHO to be positive when everything is fine, the sun shining, and you've got plenty of free time for yourself and your partner. What if life/job/kids make you feel "squeezed" and you can't totally and always fulfill somebody's emotional requirements? The art of compromise, alas, is the hard part of a relationship.