John Gottman, a professor of psychology who specialises in martial stability, has stressed that relationships can only be successful when couples are “emotionally intelligent” enough to accept one another as they truly are.

Writing in The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work, he advises that couples engage in “physiological self-soothing” (taking calming breaths and mindfully relaxing) when you find an argument to be too intense, rather than stonewalling / refusing to communicate.

And, instead of phrasing complaints as criticism of your partner, raise complaints about the situation or the behaviour instead.

He also encourages couples to stop using the word “you” in arguments, and choosing instead to use the word “I” – and to work on their marriage each and every single day, rather than just when it is in trouble.

“Reunite at the end of the day and talk about how it went,” he says. This will help to bleed off stress from the day, and stop it from negatively affecting your relationship.

Images: Disney

This Disney princess is the first feminist badass to turn down a marriage proposal