No matter how loving and well matched two people may be, a modest amount of tension is to be expected occasionally in any relationship that persists for long. Couples can often work through such bumps in the road on their own, and have done so throughout human history. But from time to time even the most perfect union may encounter difficulties that can benefit from conversation with a neutral third party who can act as a translator between the principals when necessary. That is what couples counseling is for.