
Discussion over. Love wins 1–0.
At LaurieTalks: It’s warm today. Challenger: Are you kidding? It’s totally freezing. At LaurieTalks: Well, I’m hot. Challenger: You’re such a freak … always hot. What’s up with that? At LaurieTalks: [instead of saying, “Go blow”] I guess I could see how you might feel cold. Want to use my jacket?Discussion over. Compassion rules 2–0.
At LaurieTalks: It’ll be dark in an hour. Challenger: No it won’t. We’ve got at least two more hours of daylight. At LaurieTalks: [looking at how low the sun is] Umm, O.K. Cool.Discussion over. Kindness triumphs 3–0.
In these example I’m not giving away my power. I’m working on yielding greatness in my relationships and in my sanity. Try it for yourself. Don’t squander good energy on petty back-and-forths. Yield. Give in. Think: I’d rather be happy than right. Besides, what’s the point in having the last word if you’re miserable afterwards? Most days you’ll get at least one opportunity to let go of a time-wasting, head-clashing, stress-inducing discussion-slash-argument. And when you’re tempted to win, prove your point, or gain the upper hand, take a deep a breath instead. Exercise some lovin’ restraint and let your BFF, spouse, friend, partner, teacher, parent, or kid have their say. Argue with no one and everyone wins.