'You have a point.'

In the television show "Still Standing," Judy's parents constantly argue with each other. That is, until her husband, Bill, teaches her dad a trick he calls "Wife Away."

It works like this: Whenever a wife is nagging her husband, instead of arguing with her, he answers: "You have a point." The wife is happy her opinion has been acknowledged, and the husband is happy because he's not arguing with his wife. Imagine the following conversation ...

Wife: I'm told you hundred times, and I'm telling you again: put the toilet seat down after using the bathroom! It's annoying and unsightly!
Husband:You have a point.

Of course, the husband's intentions in this case are less than noble. He doesn't actually think his wife has a point, he's just saying she does, so she'll shut up. Still, this dialogue has a point.

The phrase works because it acknowledges the other person, certainly more than a grunt from the sofa would. The trick is, for it to mean anything, you have to actually listen before you say it. This goes for men and women in any relationship. If you want to avoid bickering over petty things -- or even big things for that matter -- actually start listening to your partner's concerns and make an effort to do something about it. If anything, agree to disagree. At least then you'll have made your point.

What do you think about Wife Away? What are some other ways to stop arguments before they start? What are some of the little things you argue about with your partner during a relationship?