It was, obviously, something he appreciated and kept things from blowing up or being blown out of proportion. I think staying calm made it safer for both of us to express ourselves.
I think I have always tried to do the calm and collected approach, but he even took that as an attack and would avoid discussing any problems. The more he would avoid, the more I'd get upset and turn up the volume.
I think that the major differece now is that he's not running away. He's got this new attitude that problems are "our problems" to figure out together. To tell you the truth--it's such a radical change that it takes me back everytime. I'm not used to it!
