SCOTTSDALE — Married couple Jennifer and Michael Dawson have not spoken directly to each other in seven months, instead routing all domestic communication through AI assistants that summarize their emotional states, negotiate household responsibilities, and draft responses calibrated for "optimal relational outcomes."

The arrangement began after a particularly heated argument about dishwasher loading methodology. Rather than continue the dispute, Jennifer asked her AI to "explain to Michael's AI why the bowls go on the top rack." Michael's AI responded with a diplomatically worded counterproposal. The couple found the interaction so much less stressful than direct communication that they expanded the system to cover all marital interactions.

"It's actually improved our relationship," Jennifer explained—to her AI, which relayed a summary to this reporter. "Michael never has to hear me say something in the wrong tone, and I never have to interpret his sighs. The AIs handle all of that."

The system operates through a shared family AI platform that maintains emotional profiles of both partners, tracks conflict patterns, and proactively defuses tensions before they escalate. When Michael's stress indicators suggest he's had a difficult workday, the AI preemptively informs Jennifer's AI, which adjusts her evening communication strategy accordingly.

"Last Tuesday, I was frustrated about a work project," Michael said. "My AI told her AI, which told her to give me space. She went to her sister's house for two hours without either of us having to have an awkward conversation about it. It was perfect."

Their couples therapist—a human one—has expressed reservations. "They've essentially outsourced emotional labor to machines," said Dr. Amanda Chen. "They're not communicating. They're subscribing to a narrated version of their own marriage."

Both partners acknowledged Dr. Chen's concern. Their AIs drafted a joint response expressing appreciation for the therapeutic perspective while noting that their conflict frequency has decreased 89% since implementation.

The Dawsons plan to expand the system to include their two children, ages 8 and 11, who they describe as "ready for mediated communication."