This is one I am 100% guilty of doing. Sometimes it starts with a legitimate complaint but it can easily escalate into criticism which then baits a fight.
As usual, Proverbs has some wisdom for us:
Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out. Proverbs 17:14
Unfortunately, I got a chance to practice this as recently as yesterday. It started when I expressed a particular feeling I was having. She took it a little harder than I thought she should, got defensive, and it was GAME ON! Fortunately, I was able to stop the breach in the dam by simply dropping it (and eventually apologizing). I will say that my apology skills are a little rusty as I used an “I’m sorry but…” at first but then quickly corrected course to simply express my apology for letting a quarrel get out of hand.
Tell me I’m not the only one this happens to! How do you implement the wisdom of this proverb in your fights with your WoA spouse?