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holler at the cheerleaders, roar when there is a touchdown and surprise him with your encouragement of his day, it will lead to better things later and even encourage him to include you a bit more often too! The return compromise is that he must support something you enjoy. Try a day at the museum, or just a little company in the yard, while you plant flowers. The time spent together will strengthen your relationship and show each other how much you respect the others feelings.

If children or family is involved, set aside a "family meeting" time. We do this in our family and it works very well. The kids, in-laws or even my husband and I benefit from this meeting. It is quite simple actually. Everyone is told that they can voice their opinions, concerns or suggestions, all without conflict or repercussions, as long as it is done only at the meeting, no other time.

It is like having a "safe haven" to discuss problems or speak your mind. For example, if your child is not happy with something you are doing, this would be the time to tell you, without penalty. Maybe your husbands burping is driving you nuts, tell him so, at the meeting! We all have our own personalities, and we should be able to keep our own identity without damaging our relationships in the process.

Learn more about this author, Erinn Soule.
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