How To Prevent Having An Argument

The other morning, Jon and I were eating breakfast, and having a lot of fun. It was one of those lazy weekend mornings. We didn’t have anything to do, anywhere to be, and were just hanging out. We had breakfast with the kids, and they quickly retreated to their rooms. Probably to go back to sleep, watch Netflix, or get on social media.It was just the two of us. I figured out how to prevent having an argument.

Jon turned to me and said, “I’ve got something to say, and I’m firm on this.”

“You’re firm on this?” I asked, “What does that mean?”

“I’m firm on it. That means I feel really strongly about what I’m about to say, and I don’t want to argue over it.”

I braced myself for what was coming.

He proceeded to tell me how he really wanted to change something in our house. Something he knew I wasn’t too keen about changing. But, here’s the thing: since he started our conversation by saying “I’m firm on this,” something strange happened.

Don’t waste time arguing!

I didn’t just hear what he was saying, I listened. I didn’t complain. I didn’t say anything sarcastic. I accepted it.

In fact, I actually love that he said what he said.

“Does this mean if I say, “I’m firm on this,” then you’ll agree to whatever I say?” I asked. It was a good question, don’t you think?

We both laughed, but he didn’t answer my question. I’m going to keep this in my back pocket, though, and pull it out when I feel really strongly about something. It will save us the need to have a conversation and/or a disagreement about whatever it is.

By the way, Jon told me not to write about this.

Oops.

We all have things that, for whatever reason, we aren’t willing to budge or compromise on. Things we feel strongly about. Next time you have something you want to convince your significant other to do or sign on to, simply say the words, “I’m firm on this,” and see how it works out. You might surprise yourself. And them. If you can prevent having an argument, why not do it, right? Who wants to waste time having a silly argument? Not this girl.

It’s a good play.

Find meaning each day,