Some people raise nitpicking to an art form. For these individuals, they expect the best, or at least things done the way that they think they should be done, and will settle for no less. But even with couples that are easy going, some nitpicking can sneak in. We are all capable of it, but if you want to have a happy marriage, you should avoid the nitpicking at all costs.
Nickpicking nearly drove me insane in a previous relationship with a man who was otherwise very loving, attentive, intelligent and who could make me laugh. He tended to criticize everything little thing that was done on a daily basis, from how to measure out coffee to where to place the television remote control. When confronted with the nitpicking, his response was that he knew he was always right. While I am easy going enough to laugh that all off, I admit that there were times when I felt like throwing whatever object we we discussing out of the window, including the washing machine when I was told I wasn’t adding the detergent correctly.
Recognizing the fact that you are nitpicking is the first step to eliminating the practice, and if you do tend to nitpick, I bet your spouse will be grateful for any effort you make to stop doing it.
My own urge to nitpick usually involves one main area of our lives, the children. Okay, so this is a large, but I recognize the temptation triggers. Since I am home during the day, and well, let’s face it, these kids came out of my body and then physically derived nourishment from that body, I tend to think I know the best way to change a diaper, sooth a bump and get them to bed. But I also realize that my husband is quite capable of doing things, even if they are not exactly the way that I do them. And nitpicking wouldn’t add any joy to our lives.
Do you nickpick? Does your spouse? Tell me your story.
Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, creating a home in the Home Blog, caring for little ones in the Baby Blog and now relationships in the Marriage Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.
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