EXCLUSIVE Listen up, George! Relationship expert reveals why arguing in a marriage is healthy - as the Clooneys claim never to have had a row

Daily Mail​

22-04-2025

The course of true love never did run smooth, as the saying goes. Unless, apparently, you're George and Amal Clooney
The 63-year-old actor has been happily married to human rights attorney Amal Clooney since 2014 - so happy, in fact, that he is standing by his claim that the couple have never had an argument.
In a recent appearance on CBS Mornings, George recalled his last visit on the show to host Gayle King in 2022, when he first made the claim.
'I remember we were here with you once before and I remember we said we'd never had an argument,' he said.
'We still haven't. We're trying to find something to fight about!'
The Oceans 11 star added: 'I feel so extraordinarily lucky to have met this incredible woman. I feel as if I hit the jackpot.
'There isn't a day that goes by where I don't think I'm the luckiest man in the world. So it's great.'
But fans are skeptical about whether it's possible for a couple to never have a row.
On X, formerly Twitter, one person speculated that the key to the couple's sunny disposition towards one another may be 'separate bedrooms'.
Over on Reddit, several people noted that Amal's career as a successful lawyer would deter any partner from trying to start an argument.
'I'm sorry, if I were married to a lawyer, I ain't trying to argue with her either,' one fan wrote.
But while some people were of the opinion that never arguing is 'unhealthy' for a relationship, others shared their own experiences of how they deal with disagreements as a couple.
'My husband and I have also been married for 10 years and have never had a real argument,' said one user.
'Of course, we have minor disagreements and conflicts, but I genuinely can't think of a single time that we've had fights/arguments.
'Neither of us are prone to fighting and we have absolutely no issues communicating. Some couples really do get along perfectly, believe it or not!'
Is it ever possible for a relationship to never hit a bump in the road? Annabelle Knight, relationship expert at Lovehoney, tells FEMAIL that while it is theoretically possible, it's 'incredibly uncommon' and also 'not necessarily ideal'.
'The likelihood of two people in a relationship agreeing with absolutely everything is pretty much impossible, and disagreements are a natural part of any close relationship,' she explains.
'In every dynamic, each person brings their own perspective, life experiences, and emotions.
'If you find that you and your partner actively avoid arguments, then it may suggest that you both aren't expressing your true feelings to one another - this can build resentment under the surface.'
Annabelle's advice is to approach disagreements with 'empathy, open communication and compromise'.
'The aim with arguing should not be to never actually argue, but to handle your disagreements in a healthy and respectful way,' Annabelle adds.
'Although conflict in a relationship has negative connotations - when it is approached constructively - it can actually strengthen a relationship.'
Having a squabble with your significant other doesn't mean your relationship is doomed.
In fact, arguments can be a healthy and productive part of a relationship if they are handled respectfully and constructively, Annabelle says.
She adds: 'Disagreements - whether big or small - give us an opportunity for both sides of the relationship to express their needs, clarify any misunderstandings, and address issues that could build up over time and cause resentment.
'The key with arguments is to stay calm and listen actively, placing the focus on finding a solution rather than 'winning' - with this approach, arguments can lead to strong emotional intimacy and a greater understanding between the two of you.
'Healthy arguments are not the sign of a 'bad' relationship, but rather the sign of one that is growing and developing.'
If you and your partner don't really argue about anything, it isn't necessarily a red flag, especially it if comes 'from a place of mutual understanding, strong communication skills and emotional maturity'.
But if not arguing comes from a place of avoidance, emotional suppression or even fear, it can become a serious issue over time, Annabelle says.
'If you, or your partner, feels the need to stay silent in order to keep the peace, then it may be that your true feelings, needs or even boundaries are being met or respected.
'Over time, keeping these issues inside can lead to a build up of resentment and emotional distance.
'Doing anything you can to avoid conflict may feel better in the short term, but it can also prevent important issues from being addressed and tackled.
'Healthy relationships should allow space for disagreements, knowing that open and honest communication will help to solve them and lead to growth and mutual respect.'
So how can you navigate an argument if and when one arises? Annabelle advises focusing on communication, empathy and mutual respect.
'Try to stay calm and avoid placing blame or using harsh language; a good trick is to start your sentences with 'I feel' as opposed to 'You always', to prevent defensiveness,' she says.
'Listen carefully and actively to your partner, as opposed to simply waiting for your turn to speak, and try to understand their perspective.
'Recognise when emotions may be running too high, and take a break to avoid this escalating or saying something you don't mean, and return to the conversation later with a clearer mind. The goal is a productive dialogue, not a screaming match.
'At the end of the day, the goal of a disagreement is connection and resolution, not conflict. You should be working together as a team to strengthen the relationship, rather than allow the issue to drive a wedge between you.'