Too many couples get stuck in a cycle of conflict not because they disagree—but because one or both partners need to be right. It’s a subtle but powerful force that turns small conversations into a court room debate, where the goal becomes winning instead of understanding.

Sibling relationships are among the most complex and enduring ties we'll ever experience, with the capacity to both enrich our lives and leave indelible marks. For some, this dynamic crosses a line into the realm of sibling bullying - a pattern of repeated mistreatment that can cast a long shadow over one's future.

When a heated argument escalates and words blur into angry jabs, it is important for couples to take the time out. This isn't about slamming doors and storming off. This is a conscious pause, a deliberate step back to navigate the choppy waters of conflict with clearer minds and open hearts. But like any tool, time outs need clear rules to function at their best.

The world of relationships is awash with misunderstandings, many stemming from the inability to discern the differences between healthy conflict, unhealthy conflict, and emotional abuse.