Things have been quiet here at the house. I think I said two sentences to Gary today, both regarding imminent house maintenance work.
Neither sentence was hostile. This is what I call progress.
A few weeks ago he complained about his health, and I knew:
- If I was sympathetic he’d snap “Don’t condescend to me!”
- If I wasn’t sympathetic then he’d say I was heartless.
So I said, “I don’t know how to respond to that.”
Met with “WHO SAYS SOMETHING LIKE THAT TO A SICK PERSON WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU,” plus accusations that I was being contolled by the counselor.
Of course, time has passed and now it’s our go-to phrase.
“Where did you put the scissors?”
”I don’t know how to respond to that.”