Translation, Please!
posted by jvbanay2 in: Communication
Remember when you use superlatives and generalizations (“The house is always a mess” “No one listens to me”) your husband is going to take this as though you are speaking factual information. I asked my husband for advice on this because this is the way women talk. He said, “Think about what you want from your husband when you speak like this.” If you don’t give him an explanation, he will assume it is an attack on him. Therefore he will correct you and say that the house isn’t always a mess and that he is listening to you right now. Of course, that is not what you mean when you say that, but how does he know that? You need to spell out what you need from him if you want support at that moment. If you don’t give your husband a translation, he will feel like you are blaming him for the problems you are venting. Do your husband a favor and give him a translation! “Yes, the house is neat sometimes. I just feel like I’m behind on some things right now.” “You’re right. You do listen to me and I really appreciate it.”