Convert or die

Ever notice how a person, when presented with a problem, is much more prone to issuing a prohibition than to directly address that problem? It's fast and seemingly decisive. All hail the path of least effort.

It's especially true with relationships. If some guy feels left out because his girlfriend has a regular girls night out, chances are he'll just tell her that her nights out are a problem and need to stop instead of figuring out why he feels left out and attempting to find a solution with her. If a woman feels uncomfortable with her significant other going to the beach alone with a female friend, chances are she'll pack her bags and leave rather than sit him down and list out her reservations for him to address.

Regardless of close they feel to one another, there's usually that immediate impulse to just get it dealt with now. Why make a big production out it by telling them you wish to talk? Why grapple with the best way to broach the subject? Why struggle with finding the words to say what you need to say? Why open yourself up to their disagreement? Why take a chance they might dismiss or trivialize your feelings? Why not cut to the chase and just get down to the "line in the sand" since that's where it's going to end up?

Mayhap because you supposedly care about them? It's a cynical and defensive reaction to the immediate assumption that your partner is not going to address your needs and concerns unless you make them. Screw giving them the chance to understand you have an issue and coming to you to solve it, you'll throw it in their face and demand an immediate decision.

How the bloody hell is that giving the relationship/partner a fair chance? Why the hell wouldn't your significant other be worth the time and effort of attempting to solve the issue without a knee-jerk "thou shalt not."