Relationship Advice for Fictional Couples: Perry and Jordan Cox

So regarding the problem of two critical alphas going at each other, can this type of relationship work? 

Sure!

Gottman points out that "critical resolution" techniques, so praised by marriage therapists, largely don't work because successful couples don't actually solve their troubles that way (and most troubles are, in fact, unsolvable). 

Referring to one exchange, he points out, ["Charlie and Belle] have been having similar in-your-face discussions for years. They don't end angrily, either...There's a lot of affection and laughter as they hash this out...Clearly, there's something very positive going on between them that overrides their argumentative style." (13). 

In other words, rather than contempt, the couple fall back on affection and laughter.

Between Dr. Cox and his wife/girlfriend/ex-wife/wife Jordan, (1) Jordan's no-nonsense attitude means she is more likely to tell Dr. Cox to cut his crap than to challenge him to death and (2) they both have a sense of humor.

Romance novels throughout the 20th century are surprisingly lacking in humor (I exclude Heyer). I think part of this was the writers, but I think part of it was the industry. Romance readers nowadays pretty much expect humor in their romances from Family Ties cuteness to hilarious banter of Powell as Loy as Nick & Nora.

And it is far, far easier to take pushiness when everyone throws up their hands and laughs at the end of the day.