A lot of times, couples get pissed off with each other by the way they respond to spoken words. We can do better if we learn response in the affirmative and not in the combative. Read the following:
- Statement: I'm really hungry.
- Wrong response: Even I myself have not eaten since morning.
- Right response: Oh sorry, let's see if there's something you can manage for now.
- Statement: Why don't you try this option?
- Wrong response: Why is it that you always find fault with what I do?
- Right response: Well, I've tried this before and I think it will work. If not, I'll try that.
- Statement: I want more food.
- Wrong response: Ha-ha, rice has finished, garri has finished, and ingredients are almost finished, and there's no sign of salary yet.
- Right response: Sorry, please manage that for now; I'll find some snacks for you later.
- Statement: I can't finish this food.
- Wrong response: Ha-ha, things are expensive o; and you can't be wasting food like this. You will eat it tomorrow!
- Right response: Should I keep the rest for you, or give it out?
- Statement: I got wounded in kitchen.
- Wrong response: I've told you to always be careful with the knife.
- Right response: Oh sorry, let me have a look. You need to be more careful next time.
- Statement: Are you okay; is anything the matter with you?
- Wrong response: Can't you see yourself; what kind of question is that?
- Right response: I'm not feeling fine; I think I need some attention.
- Statement: I'll like to eat corn flakes.
- Wrong response: No way! It's for the children; and that's for one month! Take garri if you are hungry.
- Right response: Okay, you can eat a little. I trust you'll give us money to stock another.
- Statement: Haven't you finished what you are doing?
- Wrong response: You are seated there doing nothing and you are asking if I've not finished!
- Right response: It will still take a while; can you please lend me a hand?
- Statement: I bought this on my way; I thought it will be useful.
- Wrong response: How much did you buy it? What! That's too expensive - wọ́n ti gbá ẹ!
- Right response: Thank you; it will indeed be useful. Thanks for the surprise.
- Statement: Handle that thing carefully please.
- Wrong response: Am I that daft? You will just be instructing me as if I don't have any sense.
- Right response: Yes dear, I will.
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.