One particularly edgy topic that we run into with couples occurs when one partner asks the other their opinion. It seems that oftentimes there are hidden motives behind what appears to be a somewhat innocuous question. Recently, a husband had asked his wife to look at the job done by the plow guy and she looked and said, “Looks good to me.” He then went on a tirade about the lousy job the guy had done, the high cost, etc. which led to a nasty argument between them with her adding, “You always feel like you are getting ripped off, and why did you ask my opinion anyway?” It would be helpful if rather than baiting your partner by asking an open question that seeks some affirmation of your opinion, you just led with, “I think the plow guy did a lousy job, what do you think?” Do not ask a question if you do not want to hear the answer.