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I have advice on how to win an argument. And it comes from two different points of view – a husband’s and a wife’s! Here’s the scoop from Oprah’s ‘O’ Magazine.

• Let’s start with the wife. Mary Matalin is a political strategist. And she says there are 3 rules for winning an argument with anybody. First, Matalin says you should pick your fights carefully. Some hills just aren’t worth climbing, so make sure the fight is worth having. For example, getting your kids to brush their teeth is a necessary battle – getting them to match their socks isn’t. Next, Matalin says you should understand the objective of your argument – ask yourself ‘What is my goal and why am I having this fight?’ Knowing what you want will make things easier. Matalin’s third rule for winning an argument is this: be prepared. She says if you’re prepared, you’ll be able to anticipate counterarguments.
• Let’s hear the husband’s strategy for winning an argument: James Carville is a CNN contributor, and the husband of Mary Matalin. And he handles fights with a theory he likes to call ‘S.C.R.’. That stands for surrender, capitulation – which means to admit defeat - and retreat. Carville says he’s read all the marital advice that says you should confront and discuss your issues. But his advice to all husbands is to just let things go. Carville says he’s seen couples argue about the same thing for 35 years – and it’s not worth it! Why should you fight about how to do the laundry over and over again? Carville says women know how to fight better, and you’re going to be a lot happier just agreeing and doing what you’re told. That’s the method that’s kept him happily married for 13 years.