Husband Fibs To Win Arguments
DEAR HARRIETTE: Sometimes my husband will bend the truth just to prove heÕs right, and honestly, it drives me a little crazy. HeÕs always been stubborn, but at this point in our lives, I donÕt understand why ÒwinningÓ small, meaningless arguments still matters so much to him. ItÕs not even about big issues -- it's little things. For example, we were talking about which teams are playing in the World Cup, and he confidently named a country that isnÕt even participating. When I questioned him, he doubled down and said he had looked it up. I knew that wasnÕt true. These moments feel unnecessary and frustrating, especially when the stakes are so low. I donÕt want to call him a liar or create tension over minor things, but I also donÕt want to keep letting it slide. Should I call him out or just allow his ego to have these small wins? -- Wrong and Strong
DEAR WRONG AND STRONG: It sounds like you need to win, too. Is it because you are tired of him droning on and on? Do you not feel heard when you are speaking? Figure out whatÕs bothering you the most so that you can address that.
Your husbandÕs petty desire to be right about everything is understandably annoying and somewhat typical behavior. Does that make it acceptable? Of course not. But you may want to pick your battles. How important is it for you to prove him wrong? Choose moments to ignore him and let it go.
DEAR HARRIETTE: Two co-workers on my team recently got into a relationship, and I really donÕt like it. They give each other googly eyes all day, and I've even seen them kiss a few times in the office. This is supposed to be a professional space, and itÕs not feeling very professional anymore. At first, I tried to ignore it and assumed the excitement of a new relationship would settle down after a while. However, it has only gotten more noticeable. They constantly sit next to each other in meetings, whisper to each other during team discussions and sometimes disappear from their desks at the same time for long stretches. The situation has also made things uncomfortable for the rest of the team. A few of my co-workers have mentioned that theyÕve noticed the same behavior, but no one wants to be the person who complains about it.
IÕm not against people dating someone they meet at work, but there has to be a level of professionalism, especially when youÕre in a shared office environment. Should I complain to human resources? -- Lovesick at Work
DEAR LOVESICK AT WORK: This couple sounds oblivious to how their behavior is impacting the team. If you or anyone else is close to either of them, now would be the time to pull their coattails, but it sounds like thatÕs not the case.
Since morale and productivity seem to be impacted by their love affair, yes, itÕs OK to go to HR to ask for guidance and support. When doing so, be mindful to tell the truth. Do not exaggerate. Your goal isnÕt to get anyone fired, but more to help redefine boundaries on intimacy at work.
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(Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)
Copyright 2026, Harriette Cole
COPYRIGHT 2026 Andrews McMeel Syndication. This feature may not be reproduced or distributed electronically, in print or otherwise without the written permission of Andrews McMeel Syndication.
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