Admit it. In the past, You've made a comment or two (or three or four) to your man that if you were caught on camera, one would think, O.M.G. What a major trash! Yes, I know you may have been there too, because what else are you goof about with your girlfriends when the topic of husbands come up?
You are accountable as to how you react, respond and communicate to your husband. Frankly put, it wouldn't hurt for you to scrape up some compassion as far as how you talk to him.
That said, below are five comments that will surely erode the relationship:
1. "What's wrong with you?" Honestly, it's comparable to chopping off his manhood. Saying it in fun gesture is one thing, but when you respond with this comment because your man forgot to pick up the distilled water on the way home, I can assure you that he'll never ever offer to pick up the distilled water again.
Attacking someone with words is a sideways way of expressing your feelings. If you feel frustrated that he forgot "the one thing" you asked him to do, instead try this: "I know you're not trying to forget what I asked you to do, but when you do forget what I've asked you to help me with, I feel like my needs don't matter. Will you please do what you can to remember next time?"
2. "What were you thinking?!" When your man comes home and shares with you how a situation he handled at work backfired on him, my guess is that he's looking for some compassion and support, and not some devaluing "Baba Suwe" stab.
You're allowed to not agree with how your man handles certain situations with other people, but if he didn't ask for your opinion, then you most certainly should pipe down. However, if he did ask for you opinion, then he's looking to problem solve, not to be treated like a joke. Instead, try this: "Well, if it were me, I probably would have said this __________."
3. "That's all you did?" Look, in a perfect world, your man would read your minds in the most symbiotic, fantastical way. But that's not reality (yes, it's time for you to wake up). If you have an expectation of something that your man is going to do, own your assumptions rather than vomit your disappointment in his general direction.
Your man offered to help you straighten up the the rooms while you go to the market. You come home to see that his definition of "straightening up" is him pulling the blankets to the top of the beds. In your head you're thinking a 6-year-old could do a better job.
However, hopefully you realize that you were not as specific with what "straightening up the rooms" means to you. So instead try this: "I really appreciate you offering to straighten up their rooms. I realize that I made a mistake not being more specific with you about where the this and that should be, and how the beds are made, so next time, I'll be more specific. Thanks for your help though!"
*4. "Stop touching me!" Yikes. We all know this one: men want to get sexy times on and you'd rather stick needles in your eyes after the vomit-inducing, stressful work day you've just had. But guess what? You're allowed to feel that way, and you're allowed to select the pause button in response.
Instead, first respond with a kiss or hug (come on...he needs a frickin' bone) and say: "Honey, I just need to decompress from the day so that I can really be present with you."
He's not stupid; he'll get the hint without you making him feel like a total reject. The only caveat is that this doesn't mean you get a free hall pass for the week: You're just as responsible for your sexual relationship as he is. So, do what ever jedi mind tricks you have to do to get present for sex and know that it's your responsibility to let him know when you're ready and able...
However, hopefully you realize that you were not as specific with what "straightening up the rooms" means to you. So instead try this: "I really appreciate you offering to straighten up their rooms. I realize that I made a mistake not being more specific with you about where the this and that should be, and how the beds are made, so next time, I'll be more specific. Thanks for your help though!"
*4. "Stop touching me!" Yikes. We all know this one: men want to get sexy times on and you'd rather stick needles in your eyes after the vomit-inducing, stressful work day you've just had. But guess what? You're allowed to feel that way, and you're allowed to select the pause button in response.
Instead, first respond with a kiss or hug (come on...he needs a frickin' bone) and say: "Honey, I just need to decompress from the day so that I can really be present with you."
He's not stupid; he'll get the hint without you making him feel like a total reject. The only caveat is that this doesn't mean you get a free hall pass for the week: You're just as responsible for your sexual relationship as he is. So, do what ever jedi mind tricks you have to do to get present for sex and know that it's your responsibility to let him know when you're ready and able...
5. "You're pathetic." Ouch! Ladies, this is so not cool to say to anyone. How old are you? Kids say this to other kids when they feel angry, hurt, sad, dissapointed, etc. Own your feelings, and communicate them like an adult.
Your husband just said something to you which sounded attacking and critical, but the solution is to not get in the sand box with him. Be the adult and be direct: "I feel hurt/sad/alone in the relationship when you talk to me like that. If you feel angry or frustrated about something that I did, then talk to me as your partner, and don't push me against the wall with your words."
So, those are my few examples for you. I hope you let it all marinate, and reflect about how you are in your relationship. Most importantly, be respectful, be an adult and for the love of God, be smart.
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