Help! I Won the Thanksgiving Wishbone Split. My Wish Has Blown Up in My Face.

"When she asked me what I wished for, my answer was for her to lose 10 pounds. She's been furious with me since. I wasn't trying to be mean-she's been complaining that she needs to lose weight and what I meant was for her to be able to do it; it was just poorly phrased. I've tried to explain myself, but she thinks I'm trying to get out of trouble. Any ideas for smoothing this over?"

"Did you ever see the movie Hitch, where Will Smith's character gave real time dating advice to his client via a wireless headset? You need someone like that, but instead of dating advice, your coach will give you advice on how to talk to other humans-especially your wife. Until you're able to find that person (which should be a priority), I'll give you a script: "I'm really sorry for what I said. I don't know what's wrong with me, but I'm working on it.""

"We are unable to edit or remove questions after publication. Use pseudonyms to maintain anonymity. Your submission may be used in other Slate advice columns and may be edited for publication. Thanks! Your question has been submitted. I'm the child of a displaced non-white immigrant. In an effort to connect with my family's culture, I cultivate an "exotic" fruit in my garden."

A man reports that after winning a Thanksgiving wishbone he told his wife he wished for her to lose ten pounds; she became furious and he has struggled to apologize. The recommended approach involves real-time communication coaching and offers a specific apology script that expresses remorse and acknowledges personal fault. Submission guidelines request short questions, single submission to one column, use of pseudonyms, and note that submissions may be edited and republished. A displaced non-white immigrant cultivates an "exotic" ceremonial fruit to connect with family culture. Strangers in the neighborhood are now asking to take or taste the fruit and leaving notes or containers at the door.

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