When They Push for An Answer

If you spouse seems insistent on getting you to agree to a major item that you are not ready to concede, do not let it become a sticking point.

Neutralize the problem by asking this question: What if [this big thing you want from me] was not a problem? Where would we stand then? This should alter the flow and move the spotlight away from the major issue. If it doesn’t, ask to shelve it until some smaller things can be resolved.

This response should prevent a problematic question from causing a premature deadlock. You can always revisit the major item later when it will probably no longer be a do-or-die issue.