Couples were less likely to be likeable when the woman was more verbally assertive, and silence could well be a golden rule for her, according to a study at the Green Mountain College.

"In couples in which the woman is more verbally assertive, and the man more submissive, the relationship tends to suffer," said Dr. Jennifer Sellers, assistant professor of psychology at the college.

In the study, published by the journal Sex Roles, 95 students (45 men and 50 women) watched four videos of married couples describing or having a conflict, Newswise reported.

"Participants in our research were more critical when the female partner was dominating," said Sellers. "They didn't like the couple. The man was seen as less competent. But when the roles were switched, having the exact same conversation, participants reported that they liked the couple, that they would be friends with that couple."

The outside pressure creates additional strain. "When things are going wrong, these couples may get less help from their friends or family," Sellers said, adding, "they lack the supportiveness of the people who would normally help them."