How to Properly Fight with Your Mate

I know we have all had fights and arguments with our boyfriend/girlfriend/husband/wife before, and most of us have broken some -if not all- of the cardinal rules for what you should never ever ever ever do when arguing with someone you love. Here are the basics, folks. Read carefully, and take notes. There may be a test later.

Rule #1. FORGET THE OLD CRAP! IMMEDIATELY!

Starting right now, forget about the time 3 years ago when he forgot to empty the bedroom garbage on garbage night and you had to carry the bag down the next morning yourself. It's not the crisis it appears to be.

When we dwell on things that have happened in the past, too often we are making ourselves more upset than the other person. And bringing up the time you were right about the Final Jeopardy answer being "Who is Elmo" when he had the audacity to guess "Who is Big Bird" can surely do nothing but piss him off in an argument. Just let it go, for goodness sake. If you have an argument, and the argument ends with all parties being satisfied, great. Move on. Forget what happened. And for the love of Pete....

Rule #2: Never bring family or friends into an argument.

So your mother-in-law takes over the kitchen when you invite her for dinner. Is that your husband's fault? Heavens no. We don't choose our family. Is it your fault that when your brother is an obnoxious twit? Should your mate hold you personally responsible for your brother's indiscretion? More than likely, you have met each other's parents before, and knew how they acted. My only advice to give on this topic, is get over it.

And please, if there are in-law issues, never go crying to your mother or father with "He said I can't cook!" or "She said that I'm a pig!" That is only going to cause more tension and anger between the in-laws and your mate.

Rule #3: Enough with the drama already.

So WHAT if he didn't answer as quickly as youd like when you asked if he liked dinner. This is not a crisis. Dwelling any further on this topic is even over-dramatic.

Rule #4: Don't put words in your mate's mouth.