Avoiding the Doghouse

In this game, I'm playing my former boss again, who is up 2-1 against me. I took the losses in stride--I'm happy to play a solid game, win or lose. He is a great opponent, and we seem pretty evenly matched. I deserved to get burned in my first loss, but the second was spirited and interesting, so I considered it successful. However, my wife has threatened to banish me to the doghouse if I lose another one! For some reason, which I cannot fathom, she is taking these games personally. I had better bring my "A" game and burn incense to Caissa--it's cold out there!