T.J. Holmes needs to 'check out' during arguments with Amy Robach: 'I have to work through it'

Relationships are never a walk in the park, and T.J. Holmes and Amy Robach aren't running from the ugly truth.

The former "GMA3: What You Need to Know" anchors opened up about how they handle arguments in their relationship during a Tuesday episode of their joint podcast "Amy and T.J."

During a conversation with psychologist Jeff Gardere about conflict resolution in relationships, Holmes said he tends to withdraw from interactions with Robach after the couple's heated conversations.

"I am really, really bad about this. I don't scream, I don't yell, I don't do anything. I don't name-call, I don't get aggressive. Nothing, but I will check out," Holmes said. "I don't need you to say 'I'm sorry.' I don't need you to help me. I have to work through it, and I'm trying to get better at doing it quicker."

He added: "It's how you react in the moment that makes all the difference in the world because in that moment, we have a chance to go this way or this way. And if you go that way, I'm out. I'm done. ... I'm checked out for the day."

Robach said Holmes' check-out periods, which often last two days, are stressful for her.

"I would rather have him yell at me than freeze me out for two days," Robach said. "I spiral. I don't know what to say, what to do, what he thinks." 

Holmes and Robach debuted their "Amy and T.J." podcast earlier this month. The duo said they wanted to take back the narrative of their relationship after the TV hosts were ousted from "GMA3" following the revelation of their alleged extramarital affair.

During the podcast's first episode on Dec. 5, Robach said the couple has gotten through some "tough" issues, but they have received much support from family and "a tight circle of friends."

"Relationships are hard. They're messy. They're not perfect. But we have fought for love, and I can say I have never been happier," Robach said. "I am with my best friend."

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Contributing: Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY