I find it very hard to negociate with my hubby. If he feels strongly about the issue he will not lean towards my way at all. Example: One day I was doing dishes and was just about done and he comes in and says, "I'll finish for you." I'm like,"Why dod you offer to finish when I'm just about done?" He claims that I should thank him for offering and I claim he shouldn't offer when I'm almost done. Who's right? Wrong? We never finished that squabble. I more or less gave in and any time he offers I politely say no thankyou, I got it. I know he'll never offer before hand. So why bother. He's stuck in his ways.<P>------------------<BR>Ree

Ree,<BR>maybe he is trying...he just has bad timing.<BR>Let him finish up that last cup...kiss him and thank him. You might see his timing get better and better....Its called positive reinforcement!<BR>ruby

Ree,<P>Men without making excuses for them are not like us women. Women think oh I'll see if she needs a hand.<P>Men have to be asked, in a man world they only ask for help if they need it. Men like to do things on their own and only when they've looked at all there options do they ask for help from outsiders. Men think like this because its what they know.<P>Women on the other hand are naturally more caring and don't usually need to be asked, in their world to help someone is to a boost to your self esteem.<P>With men you need to ask so try asking your husband to put the knives and forks out whilst you put out the tea or if you have bread ask him to butter the bread. Ask him will he put the laundry in the machine but ask. I know it seems like hard work but men are used to instructions and so they respond well to them. Don't ask could you or can you set out the knives and forks always use will you or would you. For men you need to speak their language and be specific.<P>Always say thank you and in time your hubby will catch on and may even start to help off his own back. <P>Go ahead and ask.<P>Theressa