Short-Term Solutions

• When a nagging woman is on the rampage, telling her what she wants to hear gets her off your tail, but not for long. You might even distract her with a random gift that keeps her focused on how sweet you are as opposed to the length of your "honey-do" list. Most men have used these techniques to get their wives to stop nagging at some point, but find that it creates an endless cycle. Once your wife realizes it was all lip service and flattery, she'll probably start nagging even more.
  
  

What Works

• Your wife is requesting something of you -- albeit, not so nicely -- so why aren't you complying? Your wife probably does a variety of things to help you on a daily basis; shouldn't she expect your assistance in return? Nagging isn't acceptable behavior, but it generally happens when you've avoided taking care of an issue she's hounded you about in a timely manner. If you can, satisfy her request. If you can't do it immediately, create a deadline and stick to it. Have a calm, constructive heart-to-heart with your wife to let her know that her approach makes it more difficult for you to respond in the manner she wants.
  
  

What Doesn't Work

• Responding in anger escalates the situation, and usually starts a nasty game of "tit for tat." Don't focus on defending yourself; you'll sound as if you're making excuses or copping out. The worst thing you can do is to turn the tables and point out her shortcomings in an attempt to minimize your own. Avoid calling her a nag; it may be true, but name-calling never solves problems.
  
  

Considerations

• Chances are, you helped create this unsavory marital situation. A wife who nags feels as if she isn't heard or nurtured in her marriage. She may have resorted to relentless pestering because you truly have been ignoring her needs. You don't need to jump every time your wife makes a request, but you do need to pay attention and try to accommodate her wishes. Sometimes, nagging is about much more than unfinished chores; being more available and receptive to your wife is often enough to put an end to her constant complaining.