When couples fight, many assume the problem is about money, sex, or parenting. But experts say the real trigger is often much simpler: tone of voice.

It’s rarely the dishes in the sink or an unpaid bill that spark tension. More often, it’s how partners talk about those things that turns a small disagreement into a bigger conflict.

A sigh, an eye-roll, or the sharp edge in a question like “Did you take out the trash?” can make an ordinary comment sound like criticism. Research shows that only a small portion of communication comes from the actual words spoken. The rest is conveyed through facial expressions, body language, and tone.

Tone matters because it carries emotional weight. A clipped response can sound like blame, a flat one may come across as indifference, and sarcasm can feel l

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