I have been married for nearly twenty years. I have gone through the phases of cheaper to keep her to happily married. I have gone from daily arguments to ultimate peace! How did this come about? 

It was Greg Jr. that brought to our attention that we no longer argue. You see my pet peeve is a dirty kitchen. I don’t like anything left in the sink. It drives me bonkers! For years I would blow my lid at the sight of a dirty spoon, fork, or dish in the sink. God forbid crumbs left on the table or counter. 

A few years ago I came upon a joke that literally changed my life. There was a man who owned a store. In his store he had a pet parrot. It was a lovely parrot, but he had one bad habit. The parrot spoke his mind. Every time Mrs. Jefferson would come into the store the parrot would say, “you show is ugly!” Mrs. Jefferson took the parrot’s insults as long as she could before reporting the parrot to the store’s owner. When the storeowner learned that his pet parrot was insulting his best customer he immediately chastised the parrot. He told the parrot, “Mrs. Jefferson is my best customer. If you should insult her again I will be forced to throw you into a pot of boiling water.” The parrot promised the owner that it would not happen again. The following day Mrs. Jefferson as ugly as ever walked pass the parrot. The parrot’s feathers ruffled and he looked at Mrs. Jefferson and said, “ YOU KNOW!” 

After I heard that joke I began to realize that for years I have argued about things enough that I can simply keep my cool and say “You know!” As a result of adopting that policy I don’t argue anymore. It is amazing how things can change when you change. There is so much peace in my house and I am loving it! 

If you have been married nearly twenty years believe me your spouse knows exactly what you think about every situation. So why argue? Just say “You Know!

In the words of my dad, “If you don’t have money at least have class!”

Greg Griffin is a free lance writer. You can read his previous articles by visiting his web page at www.greggriffin.com