NEXT STEPS

Read Big Talk, Small Talk (And Everything In Between): Effective Communication Skills For All Parts Of Your Life by Shola Kaye (Rockridge Press, £6.54).

Browse Nick Wignall, a clinical psychologist, offers 15 ways to handle confrontation with self-assurance. Read his advice at nickwignall.com/confrontations

Listen Terry Real, a couples therapist, advises couples how to stand up to each other with love – resources.soundstrue. com/podcast/terry-realfierce-intimacy