Cross-complaining is defined as

• A. A new complaint in response to a concern
• B. When one partner ignores concerns
• C. When a couple agrees on all concerns
• D. When both partners discuss only one topic

Answer: (A)

Cross-complaining is when a partner responds to a concern by bringing up a new complaint. This keeps the argument moving but shifts the focus from the original issue to another grievance, making it harder to resolve anything. It’s a reactive pattern that escalates conflict instead of addressing the concern at hand. The other options don’t fit because ignoring concerns means withdrawing from the conversation, agreeing on all concerns would reflect harmony, and sticking to one topic shows a narrow focus rather than introducing a new complaint in response.