Sixth in a series.
Most people do not like to negotiate or are not comfortable when called upon to do so.
This is a natural feeling and is nothing to be ashamed of. However, this reluctance often leads us to go right to our bottom line at the start of the negotiations and this can be costly.
If you begin the negotiations by stating your rock-bottom price, or if you start in the middle and refuse to budge, you will not leave yourself any room for compromise and this invariably leads to a deadlock. Deadlocks inevitably lead to trouble and to costly courtroom battles.
Create negotiating room by starting somewhere between the middle and your dream result. Then move in small increments and be sure they always get smaller.
When your spouse makes a proposal, flinch slightly or react with mild surprise. They are watching for your reaction and a flinch is a non-offensive way of indicating you cannot (or will not) is a polite way of indicating your disapproval.
People believe what they see more than what they hear, so a flinch is your best means of getting your spouse to consider rethinking their position.
It is not unreasonable to expect a softening or a concession after a credible flinch.
