When you do fight, avoid
the following unhealthy behaviors, identified by marriage researcher and psychologist John M. Gottman, Ph.D.: contempt for your partner, defensiveness, refusing to talk, and negative remarks about your partner or name - calling.
Our girls have often manifested one or more of the
following types of
behaviors or
unhealthy coping mechanisms: withdrawal and isolation from family and friends; trouble maintaining friendships; discontinuation of previously enjoyable activities; excessive anger or verbal aggression; defiance toward authority or unwillingness to
follow directions; school avoidance or refusal; substance experimentation or abuse; risky sexual activity; self - harm; suicidal ideation or gestures; Internet obsession or addiction; leaving home without permission for significant periods of time; frequent dishonest communication; and declining academic performance.