In any relationship disputes and conflicts are going to arise. However, there should be rules about what is and is not appropriate during a fight. These rules may simply be agreed upon by the partners, or they may be written down and posted on the refrigerator door. However they come to be, it is important to agree on what is and is not acceptable and that both parties honor these rules. Not having a set of rules of what is off limits can change simple fights into open wounds that fester and grow over time creating deep resentments and unspoken animosity that slowly poisons a once loving relationship.