In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: Your spouse doesn't have clairvoyant powers. If you want something, ask. If something is wrong, say so. Don't drop hints or figure they'll "come around" or you'll never get anything done. If you want to be able to express how you feel, you should be able to speak with a positive tone and to listen to what your spouse says instead of being accusatory. Here are some ways to do it:  Send "I messages." Instead of accusing them of not meeting your needs, focus the conversation on yourself. For instance, tell them, "I feel ignored when I don't see you until 6:30 every night." Listen to what they say. When they tell you something, repeat what they said back to them so that they know you understand. For example, "I hear you saying that you're worried about finances, and that's why you've been working late." Avoid passing judgment. Let them finish what they're saying before you respond. After they're done talking, offer a solution. For instance, say, "I'm willing to live on a tighter budget if that means that I get to see you more often." . Some issues are worth fighting about, and some aren't. If you spend all of your time nitpicking your spouse about minor problems that don't really matter, then they're not going to listen to you when major issues come up.  Criticism can destroy a relationship. As long as the dishes are clean and unbroken, for instance, don't nag your spouse about how to load the dishwasher "the right way." Let them do things their own way. Don't sweat the small stuff. Avoid criticizing your spouse without doing it constructively. Remember to try to be calm and rational, as strong emotions can easily turn a discussion into an argument. If you criticize every little thing they do, then they will quickly tune you out. You should praise your spouse for the things they do right much more than you argue with them about things that they do wrong. This will make them much more likely to listen to you, and much happier to be around you. Fight right. Don't let anger take over because it may cause you to say things that you will regret later. Even when you don't agree with your spouse, you need to respect their opinion and their viewpoint. To be a good wife, you need to understand that you may never agree on certain issues. No couple has an identical set of morals and beliefs, which means that both of you will need to learn to cope with occasions where you just can't resolve your opinions.  Talk to them at the right time. Don't just spring your problems on them whenever. Avoid bringing up problems before dinner, while they're paying bills or when they're immersed in a stressful situation, like fixing a problem with your car. And never, ever start an argument in front of your children.  When you're wrong, admit it. You need to learn to respond to arguments and remain rational so you can recognize and apologize when you've made a misstep. Never talk to your friends or your family and say negative things about your spouse if you're not communicating with them first. Talking about your spouse behind their back is disloyal. When you get married, your first loyalty is to your partner, not to your birth family or your social group.  Complaining about your spouse to your friends and family will not only not solve any of your problems, but it will also make them view your relationship in a more negative light. Your friends and family may think they know what's best for you, but they don't know your relationship as well as you do and may unintentionally give you bad advice.
Summary: Express your feelings and needs effectively. Pick your battles Be understanding when you discuss an issue with your spouse. Talk to your spouse, not about them.

In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: While there are some hybrid stains, most people buy either water-based or oil-based stains. Water-based stains are non-toxic and easy to clean, but can cause some streaking if you're not careful. Oil-based stains are easier to apply evenly but produce stronger fumes and can be tough to clean. If the piece of furniture can easily be moved outside, to the garage, or to another easy-to-clean area, go with oil-based stains. You want something absorbent but soft. Foam brushes, especially those with a pointed edge to get in the corners, are your best bet. Clean, soft rags and towels will work as well, though they will be permanently colored by the stain. Make sure that is well mixed, following the instructions on the can. Be sure to keep the top as well, as you can close up the stain and save it for another project if there is any left. Find a hard-to-see area and apply a little stain in an square. Make sure it doesn't drip, then wipe it off after 4-5 minutes and check the color. Keep an exact measurement of the time you let it sit for. How does this stain work with the wood's natural color?  If you want the finished piece to be darker than this test area, you'll need to leave the stain on longer before wiping it off. If you want the finished piece to be lighter you'll have to wipe the stain off faster than you did for the test area. As wood absorbs moisture, it slightly expands. By getting the surface damp and then sanding down the small burrs or bumps that rise up, you better prepare the wood for your water-based stain. While optional, this step can even help with oil-based stains. It will result in a smoother finished surface. Use your rag, sponge, or brush to apply a thin, even layer of stain over the entire piece. Work slowly, only keeping a little stain on the brush at any one time to prevent dripping or pooling. It should be thin enough that the stain isn't running, just sitting on the furniture. You can apply the stain any way you want, but your last pass of the brush or rag should be along the direction of the grains. This ensures a beautiful, non-streaky final finish. Remember -- the longer you leave it on, the darker the color will be. While you can choose your timing based on your own desires, make sure that it doesn't dry on the wood. If it is starting to dry, wipe it off immediately -- you can also apply a second coat later on if  you desire a darker color. Check the stain's instructions to see if you need to wait even longer, though most stains will be dry within half a day or less. Try to place the wood in a well-ventilated area to speed up the process and prevent fumes from collecting.
Summary:
Choose a water or oil based stain, depending on your desired finish. Get a clean paint brush, sponge, or foam brush. Open and stir the stain thoroughly. Test your stain in an inconspicuous area to ensure it looks good. Wipe the furniture with a damp cloth, then sand with 220 grit paper if using a water-based stain. Apply the stain in a thin, even coat. Make a final pass over the stain in the direction of the wood grain. Wipe the stain off with a clean cloth after it has soaked for your desired time. Let the wood dry for 6-8 hours.