33 “Always Communicate Your Needs”
This one is only half-true, according to Newbold. “If there’s something you need, you should definitely let your life partner know.” But that’s not the whole story. “This in no way obligates your partner to do something about your needs, not even if you keep communicating your need over and over and over. You may find you get a whole lot more if, instead of ‘I need this’ or ‘You should do this,’ you ask for help. ‘I’m dying to go see Europe, and I know you don’t like to fly. Can you help me think of another travel companion and a good time to schedule a trip?’ Or ‘I really need to talk over this decision with someone. Will you be available for an hour or so in the next two days, either to talk with me or to stay home with the kids while I go have lunch with a friend?’”
