On a related note, I have done a lot of subtle things like that ... there is DEFINITELY a right way to load the dishwasher; grin! So not.
On the positive side, my husband has a long-standing (and to me, irritating) habit of getting 95% ready to go somewhere. 95%. Then I'm standing on the doorstep waiting for him to get his shoes on, find the cat, whatever. This wouldn't matter, except when we're running late already (frequent). My historical response has been to either nag or stuff my irritation. Recently, I have made more of a game of it. Running to the door with a saucy grin and a "I win!" This has gone over much much better ... HE actually "won" yesterday ... and has led to some fun attempts to lock each other out of the car, etc etc.
My point is, converting controlling tendencies into something more playful has worked well for me, and I think is a good idea generally.
"Show me a completely smooth operation and I'll show you someone who's covering mistakes. Real boats rock." -- Frank Herbert
