It has been 30 years since my husband and I tied the knot, but we have not had a single domestic spat. Not long after our wedding, I listed all my grievances to my husband. He listened quietly until I had had my say.
He went over each thing, promising to change what he could and patiently explaining why some things couldn't be fixed. They were such convincing explanations that I lost the will to fight and it resolved my complaints.
Recently, I complained "I always do all the talking. You should say something fun, too." He answered, "I have no excuse for that. I just don't know what to say. I am sincerely sorry. Please forgive me."
How can I pick a fight with a husband like that?
domestic - relating to the home, house, or family
spat - a brief pretty quarrel or angry outburst
grievance - a complaint or a strong feeling that you have been treated unfairly
go over sth - to examine or look at something in a careful or detailed way
lock horns - to begin to argue or fight
butt heads - engage in conflict or be in strong disagreement
have one's way - to do exactly what one wants to do or with
- I demand to have my say. / Everyone will have their say eventually.
- I lost the will to study after I failed the test. / You shouldn't lose the will to continue because of that mistake.
- An older kid tried to pick a fight with my daughter. / He always talks like he's trying to pick a fight.
1: Do you argue with your wife often?
2: Very often. We lock horns all the time. How about you?
1: We haven't really butted heads in years.
2: Really?
1: Yes, my husband usually backs down and lets me have my way.
2: Wow! That's really big hearted of him.