Tom would explode in anger, Christine would retreat into an impenetrable fortress with walls of cold silence. Both wished deep down that they could find a better way to react. Eventually they did.  

Mark was in a rush. Helen was tired.

Why, they both wondered, had they tried to discuss this now?

Neither of them wanted to make the effort required to listen well and speak considerately.

So the discussion was doing more harm than good.

Thank goodness one of them had the sense to suggest making a date, when they could give it the time it needed.