• Smile at me more often.
• Speak to me respectfully, but firmly.
• Don’t let me push you around—but don’t push me around, either.
• Choose your battles—don’t make everything an issue.
• Remove as much temptation as possible, especially if you are having to constantly tell me "no".
• Lighten up—keep your sense of humor.
• Get a backup for the times you just need to give in to sheer exhaustion.
• Give me some control over my own life and circumstances.
• Let me make mistakes while I am still as small as the price tags.
• Remind me again how much you love me.

What’s The Point?

• What do you need to accomplish?
• Is there another way to the goal?
• What’s the bottom line?

Is It Worth It?

• Is this a battle worth fighting?
• Will this improve the relationship?
• Is this a negotiable issue?

Copyright 2000 by Cynthia Ulrich Tobias
Cynthia Tobias, AppLe St. PO Box 1450, Sumner, WA 98390;