Being an awesome husband starts with putting your wife first. And of course, vice versa. Here are a few things you can start doing for your wife on a regular basis:
1. Cuddle with her
Physical needs between men and women are so different. There are various ways to be intimate so keep her needs in mind. Hint: cuddling is a good start.
2. Don't expect your wife to "owe you"
Now that the cuddling is over, it's your turn, amiright? Although sexual intimacy is crucial in a happy marriage, your wife doesn't want to feel like she owes you a favor.
3. Bring home dinner
If it's been a particular crazy day for your wife, the last thing she wants to do is make dinner. Give her a night off every once in a while, either by bringing home some takeout or cooking yourself.
4. Take the kids out
Speaking of crazy days, another sweet act you could often do is taking the kids out for an hour or so. Whenever I am feeling overwhelmed, my husband quickly takes the hint and lets me have some quiet time.
5. Be a gentleman
When you were dating, you did everything you could to woo your wife. Then life happened. It doesn't take much thought or energy to act like a man. Open her door, and not just when you're on a date. Open it every time. Speak kindly to her, about her and about others.
6. Listen without fixing
If you haven't seen the video about the nail in the forehead, you must! It is ridiculous and illogical, but it is the truth. This is how women work. Go against your every instinct, and just be there and listen.
7. Compliment her
You think your wife is beautiful, you think she's funny, you think she's smart. You admire her in so many ways. Have you told her lately?
8. Pray with her
A good husband prays for his wife daily. A great husband prays with her.
9. Ask her out
I've been married for nearly 14 years, and one thing that still gives me butterflies is when my hubby actually calls me to ask me out. It is so much more romantic than a "Hey, the baby needs a diaper change and we should do something tonight."
10. Date her
Now that you've properly asked her out, keep at it. Dating does not need to be expensive. Whether it's dinner and a movie or a night in after the kids are in bed, keep dating a consistent part of your relationship.
11. "Throw chocolate and run"
You think I'm kidding but I'm not. This quote is funny because it is so true. Maybe this has never literally happened to you. I mean, it does make women sound like a wild zoo animal. But honestly, if you do this to your wife, she won't be mad.
12. Let her sleep
Mothers, especially those raising small children, are SO incredibly tired. If you're home, let her take a nap. If it's feasible, let her sleep in one day each weekend.
13. Appreciate her
Often times, a wife and mother's work goes unnoticed. Maybe you come home to a messy house. She probably cleaned it three or four times already but you can't tell. Your dirty clothes magically appear in your closet all clean and folded nicely. Perhaps she's gone eight hours a day and somehow the bank account has some extra money in it. Let her know you appreciate all she does for your family.
14. Work hard
Just as she works hard for the family, you do too. Give everything you can to your career, your kids, and especially to her.
15. Encourage her hobbies
It is not uncommon for a woman to forget about herself in service to her family. Help her keep her identity by pushing her to do the things she loves.
16. Ask about her day
Each day when you finally get to connect, really ask how her day was and see if she needs anything.
17. Open up
Men don't generally like to look vulnerable. You want to be tough mentally, physically, emotionally, etc. Your wife wants to know how you are really feeling. Real communication is so important in marriage.
18. Apologize
When couples fight, women tend to fume on the inside until the issue is talked through or resolved. If it's a big one, this might go on for a while. Generally, men happen to forget about the issue or put it away for a few hours or overnight (like a good cheesecake). Then they forget about it (unlike a good cheesecake.) To them, the argument is over. Meanwhile, unbeknownst to them, their wife is still angry. Just apologize.
19. Hold her hand
Maybe PDA isn't your thing and that's OK. Taking her hand in yours is just a small physical gesture that shows her how important she is to you.
20. Respect her
Your wife has built in motherly and wiferly (it's a new word) instincts. Even if you don't agree with her opinion, you need to respect hers. Then kindly talk out the best way to handle the situation.
How many of these things are you doing as a husband? And how many could you work on?
Editor's Note: Originally published on Becky's blogMake Mine Happy. It has been republished here with permission.
