How to Scare Your Husband and The Respect Dare

So a few months back, we ran a survey and discovered a commonly used phrase that instills fear into the average husband.

The creator of all this anxiety? 

One of the most commonly used phrases by wives around the western world:  “We need to talk.” 

Fully 96% of our survey respondents had a negative reaction to those words.  Reactions ranged from comments like, “What’d I do now?” and, “I’m in trouble,” to various swear words and thoughts about whether or not wifey has spent too much money shopping, to our personal favorite, “Quoting Mr. T’s response to the question of ‘What’s your prediction for the fight?’ ‘Pain.’”

When I revealed this information during a Q&A at a workshop the other night, one of the women said, “I don’t know how to start a conversation with him, then.  We DO need to talk.  What do I say instead?”  If you want to avoid arousing resentment, causing anxiety, and build up his esteem, try this phrase, as antiquated as it sounds: “Honey, I need your counsel about something.  Do you have a few minutes?”

He’ll be blown away.  And if it’s not a good time for him, you’ll find that out as well – which, by the way, is another reason our communications go awry with our husbands.  Our timing is off. 

Bottom line:  Be wise.  Be discerning.  Choose the right words and the right time and your communication will be more effective!