Finally, validation of my negativity!

Math shows that empathizing with your partner could lead to divorce

from "The Calculus of Coitus" www.salon.com/mwt/feature/2004/09/13/math/index.html

So someone (actually, Australian Dr. Clio Cresswell) has written a book that lays out the mathematical calculations that help explain sex and relationships. It's full of Ph.D-only equations that prove, among other things, that I'm still married BECAUSE and not in spite of my negativity. Dr. Cresswell posits that empathizing too much -- i.e. holding in that criticism or complaint of Significant Other (SO)'s behavior -- leads to a higher rate of divorce.

Say it with me: "You're getting on my nerves!"