Don't retort if you don't have to

"The best way to win an argument is to stay out of one," Eric wisely concluded.

Be an owl, I was told. Owls, they say, are supposed to be wise because they appear wise all the time and hoot only occassionally.

"I wish you'd learn to save once in a while."

"You're a cheapskate"

"Why don't you mind your own business?"

"Is money so important to you?"

"I should never have married you."

Why hasten unhappiness with a retaliatory retort? I'll spare myself the unnecessary follow-through. Leave my blood pressure closer to normal.

This attitude, I find, retains friendships and close the door on many of the delibilating diseases that unhappiness can bring.

I know. I've tried it.