The Husbands Mantra, a public service announcement

                               How to maintain Domestic Tranquility
                                  Public Service Announcement
     Hello, my name is Michael Wesley. It is my desire today to provide you with theory and processes that, if employed, will allow you to develop and maintain a level of domestic tranquility in your household that you may not have previously enjoyed.
     What will follow is based on research in both the workplace and households composed of committed couples both with and without children. Personally, I have been in a committed monogamous relationship for over 25 years, so I feel I do speak with some authority on this topic. Based upon this research, and personal experience, I believe the primary beneficiaries of this announcement will be married males.
     I have found the individuals least likely to possess the skills to be offered are married males who have been married 6 years or less, but this is by no means the only group that can benefit.
     Ladies, and gentlemen, you may wish to peruse this offering and, if you have a partner who shares some of the less desirable traits discussed herein, you can then direct them to this helpful information.
     The thesis for everything to follow is this: Guys, you are wrong. You were wrong, you are wrong, and you will always be wrong.
     The most common response to this assertion is to refute its validity. And, in any particular circumstance, you may be technically correct. However, as correct as you may be, you are still wrong. To act in any manner which fails to recognize this will only result in discord. What we want to attain is tranquility, both in your life and the lives of those around you.
     You may have acted selflessly, solely to the benefit of those around you. You, no doubt, did precisely as requested, performed in the manner desired, and produced the results which were sought. However, if your significant other is not pleased you must be able to immediately disassociate your self from your efforts.
     This is not a skill that is generally found to be prevalent in the group I mentioned above as being most likely to benefit from this PSA. In fact, I have found this group to most readily react to less than enthusiastic endorsement by ascending the Pedestal of Righteousness.
     The Pedestal of Righteousness can be an enticing destination. But, it is not a place you can live. You may stand upon the Pedestal of Righteousness for as long as you wish or until you collapse from exhaustion, whichever comes first. Then, when you have once again deigned to join those mere mortals you left behind you will still not have the tranquility which is sought.
     The following exchange is a typical example of the results of acting as discussed above. The names have been changed to protect all those involved.

“Hey Pete, something bothering you?”
“Yea, my wife’s mad at me.”
“Well, did you apologize?”
“No, I didn’t do anything to apologize for.”

Now, Pete is not happy. Pete’s wife is not happy. And if there are any children, if both parents are unhappy then the kids are not happy either. That’s a lot of unnecessary unhappiness.
        What all of this has been leading to is near at hand. I refer to this as the “Husband’s Mantra”. Not because it is exclusive to them but because my research shows they are the most likely to benefit from its use.
     The Husbands Mantra is, Baby (insert your preferred term of endearment) I’m sorry, it was my fault, I was thoughtless, and it won’t happen again. Commit this to memory. The moment will be lost in any hesitation.
     When your wife, spouse, girlfriend, or significant other begins to look at you crosswise you must be able to immediately respond with “Baby, I’m sorry, it was my fault, I was thoughtless, and it won’t happen again”.
     If you can offer this statement honestly and sincerely then you have already benefited in being able to express your recognition of the value of your partner and your desire to please them.     
     If you cannot offer this statement in that honest and sincere manner, then you must do so promptly and as often as necessary. Then proceed to do that which your partner desires. Do not act as Lot’s wife, but proceed with alacrity, enthusiasm, and commitment onto whatever task is presented.
     Do not dwell in the past, for there be monsters. Rather, embrace the tranquility which can be yours. In the recitation of the Husband’s Mantra, you are not denying yourself, but rather, validating your significant other.
　
     Repeat, Baby, I’m sorry, it was my fault, I was thoughtless and it won’t happen again.

     Thank you for your time and attention. I am Michael Wesley, and Papa Tango 6 is out.