We’ve all been here before, and chances are, we’ll wind-up in the doghouse again. Here are some ways to get a ladder up and out of the doghouse, and back in good graces with the one that you love:

1.       Measure Up.
You’ll know largely by the chill factor  you get from your spouse or girlfriend, but generally speaking, screw-ups land you in four depths of hell:
Ankle-Deep – Knee-Deep – Waste-Deep – Over Your Head

Unless you know you’re in over your head, these tips work.

2.       Own Up.

It ain’t always easy, but it’s simple. Apologize. (By the way, an apology doesn’t include the word “but.” ) Admit the foul, and that you know it hurt her.

3.       Pony Up.
More than flowers, jewelry, spa days…or other gimmes, what works is giving time. Sweat equity, to be specific. Give her a break. There is a direct relationship to domestic duties you do, and the rate of speed you bounce back. The more you do, the faster you recover. So, take the kids. Have them fed, bathed and in bed when she comes home from her away time.

4.       And if you’re in Over Your Head, probably the best advice (after you measure up, own up, and pony up), is shut up. Let her talk. Ask her what she wants.

5.       Stand Up.

Ask forgiveness. Remember that love is a verb. And repeat number 3.

Finding the Right Words…For Her and an Answer For Just About Anything

They right ones make all the difference–small and mighty powerful, intentional words. Knee-buckling, gut-busting, eye-misting phrases that she never forgets. Eloquence is easier when you have the right tools. Think of these resources as your technical Cyrano, when you need a little inspiration.

Before you choke on the right phrase, or if you want to settle a bet, or even if you want to get a recommendation for a good restaurant, here’s your go to. These “people driven” engines will receive your question via text, phone or computer and a live person will research your question.

They route your question to a live person. Your answer is then returned to your phone as a text message within a short wait. Check them out for fun. Ask them anything, see what happens:

Cha-Cha.com

Simply ask your question from your mobile phone as if you were talking to a smart friend.

Call 1.800.2ChaCha (1.800.224.2242)
Text 242242 (spells ChaCha)

Mosio.com
Ask@mosio.com

kgb.com

text 542542 but be prepared to pay .99 per answer (plus text charges, if applicable)