Slowly but surely - detach and 180

[hopefulinEG]

Just got off the phone with W. She was calling to find out if I had to work late since she has a College Meeting tonight that is very important. I said that I'm not positive but it looks like we will be staying late and she should get someone ready to watch the kids to be safe. She said OK. Then I started to explain why I was going to have to stay late and she cut me off part way through and said "I get it, your staying late". Then we said goodbye and hung up.

This was a reminder to me to not try to explain/defend myself. I am still doing that sometimes and it pisses her off. This goes along with the listen and don't give advise something I used to always do but am mostly not doing anymore.

A better way to respond would have been to say - "I understand how frustrating this must be for you, having to get a babysitter at the last minute."