Anatomy of a Domestic Argument

Mrs.: He’s not done staining it, is he?

Mr: Why?

Mrs.: The sides are different colors

Mr.: What do you mean? What sides?

Mrs: On the top, see?

Mr.: (sigh) Well, if it bothers you, you should say something to him.

Mrs: Why do you do that – leave the room like that? I don’t like it. It’s so hostile.

Mr: Look. The dog just hit me in the mouth with his head, and it really hurt, ok?

Mrs: Well, I asked you three times if you were all right.

Mr: I didn’t hear it.

Mrs: I opened the door and said “are you all right?” three times and you didn’t answer, so I assumed you were –

Mr.: I didn’t hear it.

Mrs.: (slams door on Mr.)

Mr.: There’s always something wrong.

Mrs.: What’s wrong is that you take it personally.

Mr.: (nothing)

Mrs.: Are you happy with the way the stain looks?

Mr.: My point is it escalates with you and you tell me there’s something wrong like I’m supposed to do something about it.

Mrs.: It didn’t escalate this time, it didn’t.

Mr.: (nothing)

Mrs.: (nothing)

Mr.: I’m sorry, then.

Mrs.: Ok.

Mr.: Are you sorry?

Mrs.: (nothing)