text: in an attempt to smooth over things with your wife (or girlfriend), what role does good intentions play?   good intentions play a huge role.  no matter how much you try to manipulate or lie, your true feelings will show not just in the way you talk but in the way you behave.  it's better to be honest with good intentions or else there will be repercussions sooner or later.  if you have bad intentions with a woman, you shouldn't be with her at all and the relationship will inevitably not be smooth.