I am on my second marriage. My first wife and I use to have major disagreements on a regular basis. I was essentially an abused husband. It was apparent to friends of ours.

When I met my current wife, communications was a major component for a number of reasons. For one she is from Europe and English is not her first language. So most of our disagreements revolve around communication and actually understanding what was said and also getting to know each other.

We were going to an event and she said she would be ready in 15 minutes. As stereotypical I figured that meant 30. So went to pick her up 15 minute later than she said. She was waiting by the curb and clearly upset. I immediately apologized and she said. “I told you I would be ready in 15 minutes and not 30 minutes. Don’t let it happen again”. I said I was sorry again for being late. She said “it’s over, I just want to be clear so you know next time. “

That is something I will never forget.