Sorry is perhaps the most difficult word, but saying more often can be the key to a happy marriage – especially if you are a man.
Researchers have discovered what most couples certainly know: that people who are willing to admit that they are wrong in an argument, have better relationships, as well as fewer rows in general.
The effect was particularly pronounced if male partners were willing to withdraw, a characteristic that the American researchers call 'intellectual humility'.
Women married to men who were willing to admit that they were wrong, were usually more satisfied with their marriages, the scientists from the University of North Carolina said.
“The intellectual humility of men played a stronger role in the relationship quality among our participants than that of women,” they wrote. “Adding a dose of intellectual humility – recognizing someone's views and beliefs can be wrong – can offer countless benefits for relationship satisfaction.”
Previous research suggests that most couples claim several times a month.
Only three percent claim that they never argue, while 30 percent row once a week or more.
About 82 percent of people believe that they are right in most disputes and that their husband is wrong.
Researchers have discovered that male partners with more 'intellectual humility', or willingness to go back, have better relationships and fewer rows in general
Previous studies have shown that most couples argue at least once a month, with 30 percent who say that they fall out at least once a week (file photo)
But the research team found those who were willing to investigate their beliefs more thoroughly and to admit that if they changed thoughts, healthier relationships had.
The study asked 74 straight couples about how they changed disputes, including whether they raised their voice, stormed the room or became defensive.
They were given scores about their intellectual humility – and on average the scores of men were about ten percent higher, which showed that they were trying harder to understand the position of their other half.
Rather academic research turned out that people who scored higher became less upset when other people disagree with them, so it's less likely to scream or to storm in a row.
Writing in the Journal of Research in Personality, the scientists also said that those who stubbornly held on to their weapons in a row, in turn, made 'less courteous, tolerant and intellectual modest'.
