Need a “Get Out of Jail Free” pass? Today’s your lucky day! It’s National Get Out of the Doghouse day.

You know if you’re in the doghouse… your significant other, boss, friend, co-worker, kids, etc are mad at you for one reason or another. Today’s your day to make amends, and hopefully you’ll be scott-free by day’s end. This day uses all those good cliches to get you back in the big house where you belong.  

Here are some tips to get “out of the doghouse:”

 

  • Put down the technology. –  If this is on your naughty list, don’t use email, texting, or other technology to apologize.  A face to face or handwritten apology is best.
  • Meet at a favorite coffee house –  The purpose here is to start talking. Listen to what the other person has to say and do not be judgmental or defensive.  Find out why you are “in the doghouse” and give suggestions on how to you can improve or fix the issue.
  • Send flowers, chocolates, or an appropriate gift Include a hand-written note about how you are committed to fixing the issue.  Do this AFTER you have already spoken. You will win extra brownie points as this will be unexpected. (Including brownies will garner additional points!)

 

If this doesn’t apply to you, but you put someone in the doghouse, let ’em out. Today pardons their transgression. However, if you’re in the doghouse, any or all of the above-suggested tips would be acceptable.  Especially the brownies part… no one hates brownies.