A conflict can reveal expectations that were never spoken.

Nobody argues about an expectation they knew was never agreed. The fight happens because one person was quietly assuming something the other never signed up for, and its violation feels like a betrayal to one and like an ambush to the other.

When a conflict comes out of nowhere, look for the unstated assumption. Then say it plainly and negotiate it as a real agreement. Unspoken expectations are the most reliable source of avoidable conflict there is.