1) Buy a butter dish. Then you wouldn't have to keep the butter in the fridge.

2) If you really have to spread it straight from the fridge, take it out, use an ordinary knife to slice off what you think is about the right amount, pop it in your mouth & chew it around for a few seconds. Then spit it back onto your bread / toast & spread.

Microwave, WTF? What is wrong with you people?! ;-)