YBR-- Getting out of the Weird Space

Question…Have you ever gotten to that place where you and your mate are fighting for no reason. Somehow everything they say sets you off and vice versa. It’s a very weird place to be in and it can definitely cause some distance between you and your other. I’ve always wondered what causes this, is it just a natural cycle of a relationship? Is it a result of just needing some space from your other? And what do you do to get out of the strange place. I heard somewhere…maybe on the radio that in long term relationships you often have to get to know your other again throughout the relationship as the two of you change. They suggested that in times when you're not talking (or always doing petty bickering) with your other to try small icebreakers to lighten the things up and put you both in a more receptive mood. Logically it seems like a decent move considering no one likes being in that weird space with their other. Any other suggestions for getting past this phase?