Consistent with the anxious - avoidant dynamics discussed above, couples with an anxious wife and an avoidant husband showed heightened stress reactivity in anticipation of the conflict; that is, their cortisol levels skyrocketed when being reminded of
the upcoming relationship stressor.
This weekend, talk to your partner about a recent or
upcoming stressor in each of your lives, like an
upcoming job deadline, or a future event (outside of your
relationship) that may prove stressful.