As a husband, I know my wife faces a lot of pressure when it comes to appearance. Those pressures are real, and they come from just about everywhere. Regardless of all the voices out there spreading innumerable false messages, here are five things I want my wife to know about her body.
1. I think you're absolutely gorgeous
There's no need for me to beat around the bush here - I think you are stunningly beautiful. Seriously! I hope you never forget that. I'm very much attracted to you and want to be with you forever. Yes, we have chemistry.
I may not always say what I'm thinking (I am a man after all!), but I'm constantly telling myself how amazing you look and how lucky I am to be your husband. Sometimes, when you see me do a double take, or sneak a peek, you might think I'm measuring you against some unrealistic standard - but that couldn't be further from the truth. The truth is, I just can't get enough of you! You're that good-looking!
2. I love you for you
I appreciate all that you do to take care of yourself and look your best. It's one of the many little ways I know you love me - and it totally turns me on. I love our date nights out on the town and feel so lucky and proud having you at my side.
But there's one important thing I want you to know: I love you just the way you are. In today's world, it's become less than shocking to see women revealing every curve and bit of skin possible. Unfortunately, marketing images are often digitally altered - creating an even more unrealistic image of beauty. It's everywhere - magazines, billboards, television, online ads, etc.
You are constantly bombarded by pressure to look a certain way and to "measure up." I know you feel it. I see you staring at yourself in the mirror, agonizing over a pound gained or a wrinkle found. I know I can't entirely solve this problem for you, but let me at least try to put your mind at ease - I love you just the way you are. You don't have to conform to someone else's standard of beauty to earn my love; you already have it. I love you for you.
3. I love you because you are mine, and I am yours
Remember the day we were married? Remember how we gave ourselves to each other and promised to stay true to each other? That promise really means everything to me and I fully intend on keeping it.
I love you because you gave yourself to me and trusted me to be the one to hold and cherish you throughout our lives! You are hands down the most wonderful gift I've ever received. I'm the one lucky person you've chosen to share everything with - and that's a gift I will always treasure. Because you are mine, and I am yours, we are stronger together and get to share everything together.
4. Your smile is where it all started
We've been married for a while now, and I love holding you in my arms and being intimate with you. But I want to remind you that long before I saw all of you, I saw your smile from across the room - and that's what sparked the attraction. Certainly, that attraction has grown over time, but it all started with that beautiful smile and those sparkling eyes.
Your smile is simply contagious. It lights up a room; just like you light up my life. If I've had a bad day, nothing can pick me up quite like your smile and the sound of your laugh. Your optimism and fun-loving personality are energizing and super attractive. You don't have to wear the latest trends and sport the newest looks to grab my attention - all you have to do is smile.
5. You're beauty comes from who you are
As stunning as you are on the outside, you're just as beautiful on the inside. Your personality, charisma, kindness, intellect and character are just as attractive to me as your physical attributes. True beauty shines from the inside out. Always remember that.
I feel so blessed that I get to grow old with you. Everyone ages, and with that comes physical changes and potential challenges. While our bodies might not always be as physically fit, toned or tough as they once were, our love will only grow stronger with time.
This article was originally published on Nurturing Marriage. It has been republished here with permission.
