Yes-butting is

• A. One partner mentions a concern and is met with criticism
• B. A calm discussion
• C. A neutral evaluation
• D. A supportive agreement

Answer: (A)

Yes-butting happens when one partner brings up a concern and is met with criticism or dismissal, effectively turning the conversation into a defense rather than a collaborative dialogue. This pattern uses a counter-attack or a “Yes, but…” reply, which shuts down genuine listening and makes it harder to address the issue together. It stands in contrast to a calm discussion (where both sides listen and validate), a neutral evaluation (which weighs the issue without emotional defense), and a supportive agreement (which acknowledges the concern and works toward a solution). So the description “One partner mentions a concern and is met with criticism” best captures yes-butting.