How to Get Out of the Dog House
If you're getting the silent treatment and aren't sure why, confront them., Swallow your pride and apologize., Make silent peace offerings., Suggest (and/or specifically plan) activities for the both of you to do that you know the other person...
Step-by-Step Guide
-
Step 1: If you're getting the silent treatment and aren't sure why
Sometimes people get upset and they don't know how to express their dissatisfaction except to avoid interacting with you.
Other times, they think you should know by now what you have done to upset them, so it requires no explanation.
Either way, the sooner you can talk about it, the sooner it can be water under the bridge.
Don't just hear what the other person is saying when you encourage them to speak about what's bothering them.
Be a good listener. -
Step 2: confront them.
Really apologize.
That means understand what you did wrong, why it was wrong, take full responsibility for it (no excuses, no explanations, no "I'm sorry but") and make amends. , Wash the dishes or do the laundry without being asked.
Buy them a flower and leave it next to their alarm clock or coffee maker.
Fold a Dollar Into a Heart and put it in their pocket. , Be proactive.
Make all the arrangements yourself thus assuring the other person your sincere interest. , Do things that are shamelessly humble, so the person who's mad at you won't be able to resist laughing.
How about serenading her when she comes downstairs in the morning? Or writing "I'm sorry" with frozen hot dogs across his car dashboard? The fact is, if someone cares for you, they can only stay mad at your for so long, and humor is a great way to disarm them.
While you probably can't afford to bring on the circus, this video does offer some ideas to bring back the smile to your loved one's face. , But remember that "normal" now encompasses a change in the behavior that got you the dog-house visit in the first place. "Normal" isn't static and neither is a relationship.
In order for us and a relationship to grow and flourish change in negative behavior is imperative.
If you've kept up your end of the bargain in that sense, the other person shouldn't stay angry and expect you to jump through hoops forever.
Some people, however, enjoy the power that being angry with someone brings.
If you're in the dog house a lot, and you find yourself constantly changing your behavior to please them, you might be in an unhealthy relationship.
See How to Recognize a Manipulative or Controlling Relationship. , If they get you in the Dog House, perhaps there is something wrong in your relationship. -
Step 3: Swallow your pride and apologize.
-
Step 4: Make silent peace offerings.
-
Step 5: Suggest (and/or specifically plan) activities for the both of you to do that you know the other person particularly enjoys.
-
Step 6: Be comically sweet and apologetic.
-
Step 7: Let things slide back to normal.
-
Step 8: Consider breaking your chain.
Detailed Guide
Sometimes people get upset and they don't know how to express their dissatisfaction except to avoid interacting with you.
Other times, they think you should know by now what you have done to upset them, so it requires no explanation.
Either way, the sooner you can talk about it, the sooner it can be water under the bridge.
Don't just hear what the other person is saying when you encourage them to speak about what's bothering them.
Be a good listener.
Really apologize.
That means understand what you did wrong, why it was wrong, take full responsibility for it (no excuses, no explanations, no "I'm sorry but") and make amends. , Wash the dishes or do the laundry without being asked.
Buy them a flower and leave it next to their alarm clock or coffee maker.
Fold a Dollar Into a Heart and put it in their pocket. , Be proactive.
Make all the arrangements yourself thus assuring the other person your sincere interest. , Do things that are shamelessly humble, so the person who's mad at you won't be able to resist laughing.
How about serenading her when she comes downstairs in the morning? Or writing "I'm sorry" with frozen hot dogs across his car dashboard? The fact is, if someone cares for you, they can only stay mad at your for so long, and humor is a great way to disarm them.
While you probably can't afford to bring on the circus, this video does offer some ideas to bring back the smile to your loved one's face. , But remember that "normal" now encompasses a change in the behavior that got you the dog-house visit in the first place. "Normal" isn't static and neither is a relationship.
In order for us and a relationship to grow and flourish change in negative behavior is imperative.
If you've kept up your end of the bargain in that sense, the other person shouldn't stay angry and expect you to jump through hoops forever.
Some people, however, enjoy the power that being angry with someone brings.
If you're in the dog house a lot, and you find yourself constantly changing your behavior to please them, you might be in an unhealthy relationship.
See How to Recognize a Manipulative or Controlling Relationship. , If they get you in the Dog House, perhaps there is something wrong in your relationship.
About the Author
Stephanie Roberts
Specializes in breaking down complex creative arts topics into simple steps.
Rate This Guide
How helpful was this guide? Click to rate: