Well, Whatis walked away from one today. It is amazing how such little annoyances can so quickly turn into full scale brawls...if we let them. W was in a nasty mood due to normal day to day chores, I empathize but... She began making nasty remarks about something she percieved I should have done and didn't. I felt my blood starting to boil but before making a snarky response I said "I am going to take a deep breath and walk away, I will not respond to this" and walked away. Now, in hindsight, I should have added that her communication was inappropriate and told her what I would have liked but I feel pretty good about holding back and telling her that I was walking away from a scrap. Afterwards, she calmed down and we had a nice lunch as a family. I spoke at the table and mentioned that chores where everyones responsibility, not just parents. I mentioned that mom comes home from her dance class and finds four loads of laundry waiting for her and that is not fair. She explained what would be helpful to her.It ended well so, I guess, it was a victory of sorts. Btw laundry was not her issue with me, it was something she felt should be in the garbage but had been sitting in a cupboard for 15 years! Somehow, that's my responsibility???? Well, water under the bridge, it was just something to snark about and I happened to be there! What is is!I think my response, although not perfect, was an improvement. Damn, it's hard not to swing back with a hurtful reply.
