Saturday, April 12, 2014

Barry Clifford: Reflections: Yes Dear

Aquilla, aged 99, and his wife Catherine Brant, 95, both from England, have been married for 72 years. The secret to their marriage is getting along and their bywords for it is simply: “Yes dear.”  Catherine also adds that it is better not to hate your enemies but to get along with them, adding you would be surprised at the results. 

It is better also to get along too in most other matters than wanting to be right for no one has any answers that really matter in furthering argument. Letting it go quickly ends argument, any argument. Compromise is always best and a compliment meant goes much further while truly listening to others goes better than both; it is the art of conversation itself. 

The ‘yes dear’ factor really does work as long as it is underlined with respect for other people’s point of view irrespective of whether you love them or just about tolerate what they have to say. They will try harder to meet you halfway as well when they are assured you are at least listening which is the perhaps one of the best compliments of all that most people do not receive.  


By Barry Clifford

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