Decide what you will do when you partner persists in behavior you have requested that s/he change. Tell your partner about your decision. The next time that behavior occurs, do what you said you would do — even if you are scared.


 

It’s easier to start this behavior when you need to address a minor problem. If your partner clutters your mutual space and you are tired of the mess, tell your partner you will take the clutter and put it in a box in the basement. Then do it. When your partner asks, “Where is my___?” just say exactly what you did with it.


 

Your weekly assignment, should you choose to accept it:


 

Have a conversation about something each one of you has agreed to do or change, but not followed through in your agreement. Decide together on a creative consequence that will occur next time your partner notices the offending behavior.


If you enjoyed this article, Being Happy Together: How to Have a Fabulous Relationship With Your Life Partner in Less Than an Hour a Week will provide you with much more information that I believe will be useful to you.