Tired of Fighting With Your Lover? Try These Tips
By Laura Snyder

If you're like most couples, you and your honey probably have the same fight over and over so many times that you could tape it, play it back the next time he leaves the dishes in the sink, or she's late for dinner, and save both yourselves the effort.

Next time you sense you're spiraling into another disagreement, try these tricks to keep it from reaching blowout proportions.

• Be nice. It's hard to keep perspective when you're having a big fight over a little thing. Do something for your partner - make coffee, or fix a snack, for example - that says "I love you and don't want to fight with you." Try to think happy thoughts, reminders of what you love about each other.

• Take a time out. Bickering quickly escalates to full-attack fighting when either of you are stressed or tired. Agree to take a break from the argument. Most of the time you'll forget all about it.

• Ask if it's worth it. If, after thousands of nagging reminders, your sweetie still refuses to pick up his or her wet towel off the floor, ask yourself if it's really worth fighting over when you can just pick it up yourself.

• Apologize. Don't buy that "love means never having to say you're sorry" bull. Finding something to be sorry about - even if it's just a little part of the argument - will soften your sweetie up enough to reach a compromise.

• Crack a joke. Saying something silly - not a hurtful, sarcastic jab at your honey - breaks the tension of a building brawl. Just be careful not to overdo the humor or make fun of your partner's problem.

• Know when to fold 'em. Sometimes fights go on just because one of you won't let it end. Don't hound your honey to validate your point. If you can compromise, even a little, let it go then. After all, would you rather be right, or be happy?

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