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Introducing the ‘Ocean View’ Trend That Can Help Couples Fight Better

Experts say the “ocean view” approach helps couples zoom out from one argument and remember the larger relationship.

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Any time I’m near the ocean, I feel a sense of relief like a breath of fresh air. Admiring its vastness helps my own problems feel small and insignificant. This phenomenon can actually help us better navigate conflicts in our intimate relationships. Dating experts label it the “ocean view.”

What Is an ‘Ocean View’ In Relationships? 

According to Dr. Eli Kraiem, a clinical psychologist and professor at Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, the “ocean view” in relationships describes “the ability to zoom out from the immediate conflict ensuing and see the relationship at large.”

“When couples are disappointed in one another, their perspective often narrows [to] where the point of contention, such as the forgotten text, critical comment, or disagreement, can feel like evidence of a much larger problem,” Dr. Kraiem says. “When we take the ocean view, we are remembering the broader context of the relationship. This means reflecting on the history that the couple shares together, their partner’s........

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