Ethel: Can we talk?
Fred: Uh-huh.
Ethel: I don’t think we communicate very well. We don’t talk to each other like we used to. I think we need to have a dialogue about these dysfunctional communication patterns .
Fred: Hmm.
Ethel: I think we need to work on our relationship. We have a strong foundation , but we have problems relating to each other. Oprah says...
Fred: Hold on! Is this something you saw on the Oprah show?
Ethel: Well, yes, it is. Oprah did a show about how couples grow apart after years of being together, and good communication is the cornerstone of a good relationship. Being asympathetic listener and validating each other’s feelings are very important.
Fred: Stop right there. I’ll make you a deal . I’ll communicate more with you, but you have to promise not to bring up Oprah again. I don’t want a talk show host telling me how to run my life.
Ethel: She’s more than a talk show host. She’s...
Fred: I mean it. I’m putting my foot down . No more Oprah. Okay?
Ethel: Okay, if that’s how you feel about it.
Fred: It is.
Ethel: That’s fine, but I wonder what Dr. Phil would say about your hostile feelings toward Oprah.
Fred: Uh!