Chocolate, music, alone time, browsing and reading helps when I’m moody. If I want something (like a hug, or space) I will ask for it. Sometimes I get it, sometimes I don’t. Either way, I deal and move on.

I acknowledge that I notice their feelings but don’t take responsibility for it or try to do a cheer jig and soft shoe shuffle to make them smile. I might jokingly say something to help break the ice, like

“I can tell there is something bothering you. If you want to talk about it let me know. Otherwise I am going to go hang out with my book so if you breathe fire the pages won’t singe.”

I’m moody as hell right now with everything going on. It’s a LOT. I’d just give him/her some grace realizing it could be situational.

Anonymous wrote:How do you deal with a moody spouse? Do you ignore them? Try to get them in a more pleasant mood?

Ask them to do something you think is fun. Doing something nice for someone else is a mood booster.

I'm trying to learn how to best deal with this too. It's hard for me to ignore, I tend to want everyone to be happy, if not "pleasant", but I also know that my trying to make everything better is just creating an even worse issue with my DH being rewarded for being in a bad mood. I need to learn to ignore.

Not your job to get someone else in a good mood. I also think it’s manipulative of the moody person to be that needy.

Ignore is the best practice for me too. If there are kids, keep them away.

I've tried to help -- but it never works. I've tried to be sensitive -- but it doesn't help. I've settled on ignore and enjoy myself, and that is the best practice for me.

How do you deal with a moody spouse? Do you ignore them? Try to get them in a more pleasant mood?