In the wild, prodding a porcupine with a stick or by yelling doesn’t work very well…it just makes the porcupine more angry. You risk being on the receiving end of some sharp, painful quills. It’s the same way in our relationships. If you prod a porcupine spouse, teen, or in-law, with your words, things usually don’t go to well. Saying things like “What’s your problem?” just makes them even more mad.  There are better ways to respond.  Kind words or a hug work well. For other responses to these prickly people in your life, visit my blog MarkMerrill.com.

Original article source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/familyminute/~3/wRfXNYtiI7k/ | Article may or may not reflect the views of KLEK 102.5 FM or The Voice of Arkansas Minority Advocacy Council