In George Eliot's "Middlemarch," the author highlights the complexities of communication and conflict resolution within marriage. She suggests that simply deferring a discussion or avoiding confrontation may redirect feelings of anger and frustration rather than resolving them. This avoidance can lead to an underlying tension that complicates relationships, suggesting that healthy debate is necessary for understanding and intimacy.

Eliot emphasizes that feeling just in a disagreement makes it even more challenging to remain calm and composed. When one partner believes they possess the moral high ground, they may find it especially aggravating to suppress their feelings instead of engaging in a meaningful dialogue. This situation reflects the larger philosophical struggles of human relationships, where justice and understanding can become overshadowed by emotional responses.