All your wife and kids ask for is that you be faithfull and do what a father and husband are supposed to do. And honestly, while it's tough sometimes, keep in mind it's not supposed to be easy. You promised you would at some point, so keep your word. This link takes you to a great video that sums it up best (you will need to copy and paste the url in your browser...dang link tool is not working correctly): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5FxdCgD-qI

The Importance and Structure of a Proper Apology

I'm a father and a husband, and there is NOTHING I love more than my family! Since that is a fact, why is it then that I would ever have to apologize? If I love them like I say I do then why would I ever do or say anything that needs to be followed up with an apology? First, I'm human. Second, I'm dude human. While I'm not perfect, based on the two facts above, my family deserves my perfect attempts and the best of what and who I am, and the best of my time. They deserve perfect apologies when I have slipped into dude-human mode. The perfect, or sincere and appropriate, apology is not always easy to do, but it is simple to understand. Here is what a perfect apology includes and lacks: INCLUSIONS: 1) I am sorry. 2) No really, I am sorry that I hurt you, you did not deserve that. 3) Please forgive me for handling it that way. 4) Follow up...check in with them after a bit to be sure they are okay and know you're sincerely sorry. EXCLUSIONS: 1) The word, "but." In other words, you should not say, "I am sorry, but what you did was..." 2) Rationalization (you think it's a justifcation for being a jerk). In other words, it ties into saying, "but," and then expounds like this, "Like I said, I'm sorry, but I wouldn't get mad and say those things if you used more common sense and would just do what you know you are supposed to do." Again, you cannot rationalize nor justify being a jerk. There may be a time for that portion of a conversation, but it does NOT belong in the perfect apology. You have to teach your kids, and sometimes you have to discipline them, which if done right is simply teaching them while maintaining a loving perspective. You do NOT have to discipline your wife...and be VERY careful about trying to "teach" her. Instead, have a conversation with her...communicate gently whatever it is that may be bothering you. There is no room nor need for a neanderthal in apologies and conversations with anyone, but especially with your wife and kids.