Defusing the Situation.

Whenever I screw up, which I do on a fairly consistent basis, I defuse the situation by letting my husband know indirectly. I think this has saved a lot of fights so I thought I'd pass on my two proven-to-work tactics.

If I have spent too much money or done something equally horrible, I phone him at work to tell him. He can't yell at me when all the guys are standing around listening. Then he has an hour drive to get home. By that time he isn't mad any more. Defused!

If I need him to do something for me that I know he won't want to do, I leave him a note by the fridge after he has gone to bed. When he wakes up and sees it and is mad, I am asleep. I know he won't wake me. By the time I see him he is okay with doing whatever it is. Defused!

You can thank me later.