How to Pick Your Battles with Your Spouse

Have you ever become mad at yourself because you did something that could have easily been avoided? Like making a comment or suggestion when you knew it would result in a fight with your spouse? And the horrible part is that it was over something little or silly? This article will give you some ideas on how to know when and what battles you should pick with your spouse.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. What matters the most to you? Are you arguing over something that you care about 100%? If not, it may not even be worth arguing over.
2. What kind of effect will it have? No matter what either of you say, what effect will the issue at hand have? On you, your spouse, child, etc.?
3. Communicate. Even if it doesn't matter 100% to you, but you still care and want that to be known, do so in an pleasant manner. Explain to your spouse in a normal tone and voice why you feel the way you do.
4. Who's business is it? Sometimes it's not always both of your business but if it is, ask yourself the above questions to know if you should choose that battle or not.
5. Take notes. When you decide not to pick a battle, note the outcome of the conversation or argument. Did it go away quickly? Did they keep on you about it and try to get you to argue? There is always a chance that there is more than meets the eye.

Tips & Warnings

• Use your common sense. Sometimes common sense will tell us if a battle is worth picking. You probably know your spouse well enough to know what might happen should you choose to battle it out.
• This article is not guaranteed to work for everyone, use at your own risk.