Why are we fighting over small and stupid things?
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Last Updated: 04/16/2023 at 2:04pm
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I used to fight with people over small things because I felt like sometimes those little things mattered to me as a person, and maybe I could grow from it. I wish that people could see things from the others person perspective. sometimes things that are small and stupid to other people are big and important to me and most people don’t understand that. You can’t just assume that something is small and stupid when it could be that thing or it could be that that specific person has been through so many small and stupid things that it has built up and become a major thing.
I think it is because we tend to struggle to emphasize on what would be the bigger picture or perhaps the light at the end of the tunnel. It is also possible that, among a common worldwide population, we don't emphasize on the silver lining, or maybe the positivity of a bad situation. Pain is only temporary, unfortunately, which results in major depressive disorders and mental disorders that circulate around the stigma of severe emotional distress and toxic stress, a major community health problem. In conclusion, it just feels like sometimes, it is the small and stupid things that are prioritized things rather than the bigger picture.
Sometimes small and stupid things aren't that small and stupid. Those things are things that we go through every day and that's how they affect our well-being. And people often don't realize that they care more about those little things then they thought, and so they can trigger our emotions (emotions are basically just our body's reaction to our surrounding, they are telling us if something is or isn't right). And if it isn't right it will trigger one of the unpleasant emotions (another term, that is quite stigmatizing is negative emotions) such as anger or sadness. When we are sad, we probably won't react and will retreat into ourselves. But, on the other side, when we are angry we react, our emotions are telling us that something is unfair. And in the modern world, it leads to quarrels and fighting; while long before it leads to kicking someone in the head with a bat and knocking them out. So basically, we fight because we are angry and we are angry because we realize that something in our surrounding is unjust to us.
What seems small & stupid to one person may seem monumental to other people. Sometimes there's just not something that you can let go, even if it seems old or irrelevant. Maybe it could be a simple fix just as sitting down & asking why does this matter to you. But if things are a serious problem, between friends, partners, family etc, seeing a group therapist or couples therapist for a personal opinion/ techniques to deal with your feelings sounds like a positive step! They will help analyze the situation & can ease your mind! I hope you have an easier time!
Anonymous
December 14th, 2018 5:54am
Based on my experience I think fighting over small things happens when we forget to give space to each other in a relationship as it’s really important to care about partner’s emotions. As we get ahead of relationship it’s both sides responsibility to make it interesting not the one instead from which he or she gets frustrated and can ruin the relation easily. So the best way is to don’t make things difficult for you and for the partner . Enjoy stupid things with your partner not making an issue out of it. It’s simple don’t force the duties so hard on each other that they run away
Anonymous
November 15th, 2018 1:39am
There is many possible different reasons. Being easily irritated with your partner could mean its time to break something off, or maybe just a break in general. I know it sucks and it's hard but when its time, its time. Im sorry. Don't sweat the small stuff. You have to make up in your mind that you're not going to argue about dumb stuff. These are those little fights that can turn into big, stupid ones where you can't remember why. See if you're guilty of fighting over these reasons, too. Besides sex, the two of you should have things you like to do together.
There could be several reasons why you are fighting over small things with another person. It could be the reason because of how much time you spend with this person. When we are constantly in someone else space and vise versa it can cause tension. Simply for the reason that you are not allowing time for yourselves. Instead, it begins to feel like you smother eachother which can cause you to start picking on all the things that annoy you, even if its not things you would usually get annoyed about. Another reason could simply be to get your attention. I know it may sound silly but there are many people who do this kind of thing just as a way of trying to grab someone elses attention.
Yeah! Why are you letting that small things ruin ur relationship. Is it worth it? Its not right? So, grow up! Learn to listen to each another. Communication is the key. Learn to say sorry whether its ur fault or not. You will fight over small things a hundred of times, there isnt a perfect relationship. Theres just two imperfect person working things out. And Its just how you both handle it. And a relationship is a choice. So choose him/her and make the most out of it. Show him what its really like to be loved.
Usually small fights are not actually about whatever it is that you are fighting over, big fights sometimes too. Usually there is an underlying cause. Maybe somebody is harbouring anger or pain and you are taking it out on one another.
Life isn't supposed to be perfect, fights are normal. But maybe analyse your life and see if there is something influencing your need to fight, or ask whoever you are fighting with if they are okay. Being open and honest can change the world.
I know it isn't always easy, but kindness and love can do a lot.
All the best.
Because sometimes things that seem to be small and stupid for others actually mean the world to someone else.
We may have triggered some feelings from experiences in the past which can lead to resentment and causing people to argue over little things. Also, everyone has different point of views, and we may not be able to see another's perspective. Another reason could be a lack of respect.
Anonymous
January 7th, 2021 6:09pm
Fighting over small things is an indication that there is a bigger issue with a lack of respect, a lack of feeling loved, another issue that is bothering them at work or school, or a mental health issue that needs to be addressed. Start by having a conversation about everything that is bothering each person using "I" and NOT "you" language so that no one feels blamed. It is important to also go back to speaking about what you love about each other and why you fell in love in the first place. These can all help open lines of communication. You can also try to reestablish mutual respect and friendship this way.
Sometimes we do it because it is easier to express your feelings over something trivial than over something that really matters. So we mask our true issues with small and not really important ones. And sometimes we feel like we just need to vent and use that as an excuse to be apalled, offended, annoyed... And sometimes we really are as petty as it seems even though we would like to come across as a bigger person. But usual small fights just show we are not happy with our current situation which more often than not has nothing to do with the fight itself.
Anonymous
March 14th, 2021 2:34pm
The reason why we are fighting over small and stupid things is most often that those things represent bigger and more significant things. Also, things that at first seem small trigger in us reactions that are recalled from past experiences. For example, if my partner fights with me because I have eaten something that was supposed to be for them in the fridge, it might sound like a silly quarrel but it can also be a metaphor of the relationship. One partner might feel that the other is not good enough at providing or caring. That's why we fight over things that seem in the moment small and stupid.
Sometimes are the things that are fought over small and stupid? When matters tends to pile up, it often seems like they don't mean too much, however, sometimes you may need to take the time ask if you and someone else are fighting over what is being said, or could it be something else that is bothering them? Are there currently stressors in the relationship that is making smaller things that may go wrong or be disagreed on bigger than they are? Opposingly, some may say that fighting is important because at least it means that you care about something enough to argue about it. However, if it gets to a point where you feel like it's too much, talking to them with an open mind could help. Sometimes approaching matters with, "Hey... I don't want to fight, but-" can open the conversation with a lighter and less defensive atmosphere.
Anonymous
April 4th, 2021 12:08pm
That happens mostly when there are more important issues which people don't want to address and hence there's fighting over small issues cause while you are trying to avoid the bigger issues you are missing the point that you are not happy about something and it comes out in one way or the other. This can happen in any relationship not just couples and the best way to deal with it is to talk to the other person and listen to what they have to say. Also take care that it's not about proving anything but rather about understanding so good luck.
This is a great question. The simple answer is that the "smaller and stupid things" are symbolic of something deeper. Depending on the context, it could be due to a number of reasons. Unresolved issues individually or as a couple or family sometimes appear it what seems to be the little things. Some questions to ask are: What do fights over "small or stupid things" have in common? What could they represent? How do I feel at a deeper level about this? For example if you're fighting over cleaning the house, one partner or person may feel triggered by a messy house because it may represent to them chaos or mayhem and that the other person doesn't care about them. Whereas the other person might just have been busy or even unaware. Discussing unresolved issues or the deeper issue at hand through a trusted listener or therapist is a great way to get to the deeper issue at hand. After all, it's never really about the "small or stupid things" :)
Anonymous
October 7th, 2016 7:12pm
Sometimes fights over small and stupid things are just stupid fights for no reason but sometimes they're hiding something bigger. You need to figure out which
Anonymous
February 18th, 2022 4:05am
Reactive emotions or secondary emotions escalate arguments. These emotions are more about defending and protecting than they are about comforting and securing. Unfortunately, couples who argue over stupid stuff tend to be great at sharing these type of emotions, but very poor at sharing and responding to others.Partners often say, 'We argue over stupid things,'†writes relationship therapist Dr. Jason Linder in Psychology Today. “This is somewhat true. That said, there are a lot more things partners are actually arguing about under the surface than what meets the eye, especially for the partners themselveset me think about that.†This works in part because it buys time. ...
“You may be right.†This works because it shows willingness to compromise. ...
“I understand.†These are powerful words. ...
“I'm sorry.â€.
Anonymous
February 28th, 2022 9:50pm
Usually, it's because we are yearning to feel loved and/or safe and we don't even realize it. For me, I feel unsafe when I feel controlled or bossed around. For the other party, they might feel unloved when things are not fully within their control. When conflict arises in a situation like this, it's helpful for me to communicate to them "i love you, and i am so grateful for our relationship. i want to understand you and i want you to understand me. i have past traumas involving being told what to do, which is why i got triggered when you asked me to ___. i understand that you grew up without someone fully meeting your needs, and that may be why you feel the need to order someone to do this task, and why it feels triggering when they refuse. please know that i'm trying my best, i see your past suffering and i dont hold it against you, however I have to stay within my boundaries too."
It's okay to do that. Everybody does it sometimes, nobody has to feel bad about it. It is a normal thing.
Because there's likely a bigger issue that was never resolved, and all of the small and stupid things just add to the pile. The issue might not even be between you, it might be work-related, or family issues!
I believe because we are agitated because of some bigger underlying the surface and that has to be dealt with. if not, then it might be due to us not being aware of ourselves and get carried away without thinking of how others might interpret it.
Because we all think we need to be right, and so we all will try and force our opinion home to prove it
Anonymous
April 18th, 2021 6:07pm
Its common to argue and personally I think it can be a good thing. You and your partner are there to take stress away from one another and sometimes when things get a little bit too much outside of our relationships we argue with our partners. If you're arguing about silly things like what to have for dinner or what film to watch you honestly have nothing to worry about. Even if you're arguing over bigger things thats fine. Take some time out with your partner and go somewhere quiet where you can both relax and have a good day together away from the stresses of other influences. However, if these arguments are emotionally draining you and making you constantly unhappy then you need to talk to your partner - compromise.
Anonymous
February 7th, 2018 6:31am
because it makes us feel alive sometimes there are things we don't want to fight over but we do anyways simply because we feel alive doing this
Anonymous
October 28th, 2020 12:07pm
Sometimes fighting over silly things is derived by the emotions suppressed about more important issues. Maybe communicating and opening up can be a good first time in understanding a little bit more why we react that way for silly things. Maybe next time an argument pops up, ask each other/yourselves why do you feel like that and with each question it could help to dive deeper into the truth. Everyones feelings are valid and no one can tell you otherwise, just as you cannot do the same towards others. Listen and communicate so you can work through your relationship and understand each other and yourselves better.
Anonymous
September 23rd, 2020 6:53pm
Sometimes in our relationships, we find ourselves fighting over seemingly insignificant things. That behavior can be confusing for us, especially if we love the person a lot and don't know or understand the underlying cause of the arguments. Often in these situations, it could be that surface issue (the "small" thing being fought over) is a actually just a scapegoat, taking the blame for pre-existing frustration or conflict. If underlying "bigger issues" are unresolved in a relationship, it can leave resentment which can trigger arguments over smaller more frequent matters. Conversely, the reason for such conflicts over small issues could also simply be that emotional or physical needs are going unmet. It may be a good option, next time a conflict occurs, for both parties to take a personal inventory. "Am I hungry/cold/tired/etc.?", "What am I feeling right now?", "Am I sad/angry/frustrated about something else first?", "Is my response proportional to the issue at hand?" Such questions might be helpful in shedding light on the heart of the issue and the cause of the argument.
Anonymous
May 23rd, 2020 11:48am
Relationships are no walk in the park. But that’s what makes them exciting. It’s like taking a road trip, what makes the road trip fun is the adventure you experience. It would be so boring if it was just one long straight and narrow road. The road trip is more exciting when you go make different turns, go over those bumps or those hills that make your tummy turn. It’s the same with a relationship, it’s a roller coaster ride of different emotions and feelings. Often we take out our frustrations on the ones we love the most and in a relationship it happens to be your partner. Trying to identify what makes you fight over these small things could help your relationship grow and thrive for the better.
Anonymous
May 14th, 2020 12:10am
I feel like sometimes when we fight over petty things, it has because emotions have been building in us for a while and it just gets let out. Much like a straw that broke the camels back sort of situation.
From my own personal experience, I find myself snapping at people when I am emotionally exhausted or stressed. Things that used to somewhat annoy but that I would ultimately shrug off become The. Worst. Thing. Ever.
I think sometimes we spend so much energy on keeping other parts of ourselves going, that we just don't have enough time and energy to reign in our tempers. This is almost never more evident when we are in pain, emotional or physical that we are unused to, or when we are hangry :)
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