Ultimatums

Don't give your loved ones ultimatums! Or else! Really, everyone hates them. Unless you absolutely have to (for example, "if you hit me one more time I will call the police and get a restraining order"), ultimatums "box in" your partner and create passive-aggressive retaliation. Try trust: instead of an ultimatum, say "I have to admit I really want you to join my family for this Sunday's dinner, and I'll be really disappointed if I have to go without the man I love. If you do this for me, you'll make me very happy and I promise not to drag you to too many things."