NATIONAL GET OUT OF THE DOGHOUSE DAY
Fast Facts
- WHEN
- Celebrated on the third Monday in July
- WHAT
- A free pass to get out trouble
- CREATED
- Created In 1999 by Heidi Richards Mooney
- VIBE
- Satire
NATIONAL GET OUT OF THE DOGHOUSE DAY
Occasionally, we all need a free pass. National Get Out of the Doghouse Day on the third Monday in July offers the fast track home we all need once in a while.
#GetOutOfTheDoghouseDay
Generally, when you are "in the doghouse," you have fallen out of favor with someone, usually your spouse or significant other. However, you can also be "in the doghouse" with a friend or your boss at work. This day uses all those good cliches to get you back in the big house where you belong.
Before attempting to get out of the doghouse, you need to diagnose the level of trouble you are in. Knowing the severity will determine the steps to make amends and hopefully
Doghouse Survival Guide
Level 1: The Response
If the person who is mad responds with "Fine." or "Do whatever you want." an immediate tactical retreat is necessary. Do not do whatever you want because they are not fine. Wait it out until you're 100% sure everything is back to normal.
Level 2: The Silent Treatment
If you're getting complete radio silence, punctuated only by aggressive cabinet closing, deploy high-quality baked goods or an expensive gift immediately. Reiterate your apology by using words of gratitude and praise. With any luck, this will make the entire situation disappear.
Level 3: The Full Relocation
You are literally looking at the couch trying to remember where the extra blankets are. You might as well make a cozy bed for the night. You have no choice. It might be a wise decision to wake up early the next day and prepare a delicious breakfast in bed as a start to a very long day of apologies.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL GET OUT OF THE DOGHOUSE DAY
Whoever is in the doghouse, let 'em out because National Get Out of the Doghouse Day pardons their transgression...maybe. However, if you're in the doghouse, any or all of the above-suggested tips would be acceptable. Share your best methods for your ability to #GetOutOfTheDoghouseDay on social media. Help a person out!
Tips to Get You Out of the Doghouse
Put down the technology. If this put you on the naughty list, take a break from technology today. In fact, we recommend you don't use email, texting, or other to apologize. A face-to-face or handwritten apology is best.
Meet at a favorite coffee house or cafe. Choosing favorite place of the person you are apologizing to is a great way to break the tension. Start your apology and then listen to what the other person has to say. Don't be judgmental or defensive when you find out why you are "in the doghouse". End your meeting with suggestions on how you can improve or fix the issue.
Send flowers, chocolates, or an appropriate gift and include a hand-written note about how you are committed to fixing the issue. Do this AFTER you have already spoken. You will win extra brownie points as this will be unexpected. (Brownies will garner additional points, too!)
NATIONAL GET OUT OF THE DOGHOUSE DAY HISTORY
Heidi Richards Mooney of Ft. Lauderdale, FL founded National Get Out of the Doghouse Day in 1999.