Some who are lucky enough to have found a steady significant other often find themselves having small altercations with their loved one.While this behavior is considered normal among couples, new research shows certain means of resolving fights can have physical effects on a person’s health in the long run.

Many couples remain oblivious to these effects, thus decreasing their love’s lifespan.

Couples need to regroup and learn how to work together better to ensure they can spend the rest of their lives with each other.

How a couple resolves a fight can determine certain health factors, according to a 10-year study done in Framingham, Mass.

In dealing with conflict, 32 percent of men and 23 percent of women kept their relationship beefs to themselves.

The July report in

Psychosomatic Medicine says women who kept their mouths shut were four times more likely to die than women who spoke their piece.

It turns out arguing tires women on a physical as well as emotional level.

The effects it has on a woman can affect long term health.

This trait of keeping feelings inside, called “self-silencing,” has been found in other mental and physiological health problems like eating disorders, poor heart conditions and depression, according to a study at Western Washington University led by Dana Crowley Jack.

Another issue that might cause health problems if the couples do decide to talk is the overall tone in the conversation.

In a study conducted by The University of Utah, if a man spoke with hostility toward his wife and used harsh criticism, the woman was more likely to have heart problems.

Men seemed to not be affected as much by the arguments in the same study.

There was no difference in whether the men in the study kept quiet, let their emotions loose or had a hostile argument. The only kind of argument that caused the men’s heart rate to rise were arguments where his control was in question.

Couples should not get stressed when faced with an argument with their significant other. The strains on the relationship and the long term health effects are not worth it.

Arguments should turn into discussions, where both parties express how they feel in a civil manner.

If there is something the other person is doing that is the cause, it should be addressed in a caring manner instead of a hostile one.

Fights are inevitable, but doing so in a respectful manner could add years to your life – and relationship.

Hayley Freeman is a sophomore English major from Fort Worth.