In this sample, higher levels of combativeness by both partner and self are found to be associated with partners' increased use of socially undesirable tactics for gaining and/or maintaining control within the relationship. Combativeness does not appear to be associated with even high levels of partners' efforts to control, however, if the win/lose game is played out in socially desirable forms of behavior. However, as scores on a measure of unpleasant competitive behaviors increase, so do scores on a measure of combativeness. Recommendations are offered to educators and counselors regarding the nexus between competitiveness and courtship problems. 4 tables and 43 references. (Author abstract modified)