The phrase “In the doghouse” is an idiom that most native English speakers are familiar with and may have used several times themselves. It originated as a way for men to describe that they are in trouble with their wife or girlfriend, but it can also mean that the person has angered someone else in their life—even a friend or coworker. Needless to say, “being in the doghouse” is not where a person wants to be. Fortunately, there is a holiday on which people can make amends for their transgressions against other people and help themselves “out of the doghouse.” This holiday is called National Get Out Of The Doghouse Day, and it is observed on the third Monday in July.

The History Of National Get Out Of The Doghouse Day

Although there is little information available on why this holiday was invented, we do know that it was created in 1999 by Heidi Richards of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Perhaps her husband was in the doghouse, and she wanted to give him a lifeline by which he could get himself out of it.

Ways To Get Out Of The Doghouse

Are you in the doghouse and looking for a reprieve? If you are, then you might want to pay attention to this section. Below are some tips that will help people get out of the doghouse they have been placed in. Although most of the following tips are for married persons trying to get out of trouble, some of them can also be used by people who have been placed into the doghouse by their friends or coworkers.

• Give Your Significant Other Flowers
• Plan A Date Night With Your Spouse Or A Night Out With Your Friend
• Cook Your Significant Other Or Friend Their Favorite Meal
• Write An Apology Letter
• Just Say Sorry

Observing National Get Out Of The Doghouse Day

If you are observing National Get Out Of The Doghouse Day, then most likely, you are the one in the doghouse. If that is the case, then you might want to make amends to that person on this day. It is also a good day for people to disconnect from technology (their phones and computers mainly) and spend more time with their significant other. If you are the one who has sent someone else to the doghouse, then you might want to use the day to give the person you placed into the doghouse a chance to get out of it.

Regardless of whether you are the one in the doghouse or the one putting someone else in the doghouse, be sure to use the hashtag #NationalGetOutOfTheDoghouse on your social media accounts and spread the word about this holiday.