We love our hubbies. They do a lot for us and we need not wait until our anniversary to show them our love and gratitude for all they do. Struggling with not knowing what to say or do for him? Here are a few ideas to get you off to a good start.
Clean something that means a lot to him
Alright, don't get all those antiquated notions. I'm not talking 1950s here where the house should be spotless, dinner on the table and you and the kids are in your Sunday best waiting for him to walk through the door. No. I just mean try cleaning something that means a lot to him, like his man cave or his home office. One time I cleaned out the car and made it absolutely spotless before my husband left for work. He kept telling me how sexy it was that I did that for him and that he was grateful he didn't have to drive to work with stale Cheerios on the seats and sticky messes in the cup holders.
Leave him love notes and messages
Stuff his socks with love notes. Write a cute message on the bathroom mirror. Send him an encouraging text or email. Something that only takes a minute or two can mean a lot to the man in your life.
Make his favorite meal or dessert
We've all heard the saying that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. (OK, this actually goes both ways in our marriage. I love me a homemade meal someone else made!) Surprise him on an ordinary day with something that makes his mouth water. It'll warm his heart and fill his tummy at the same time. Win-win.
Thank him
Even if it's just taking out the garbage, picking up the kids from soccer or going to his 8-5 job every day without complaint, don't take your man for granted. Tell him, "Thank you," on a daily basis. It will show that you notice what he does for you and your family and that you are grateful for all of his contributions - no matter big or small.
Ask him about his day and truly listen
Sometimes I think women have no qualms about unloading their day, but men sometimes hide or pent up their emotions. Take an interest in his day. Ask him how he's doing. Ask him about his stresses. Learn to really listen and try to unravel any hidden challenges he could be keeping at bay. He will learn that you are not only his wife, but confidant in whom he places the most trust.
Leave a little treat in his lunch or in the fridge
My hubby loves when I pick-up his favorite candy bar or drink and leave it in a conspicuous place. It lets him know that I think about him when I'm out and about and enjoy making him happy.
Find out what his love language is and learn to speak it
In his book The 5 Love Languages,Gary Chapman outlines five ways we express our love to another person. It could be through acts of service, words of affirmation, gift giving, physical touch or spending quality time together. What makes your guy feel loved? A romantic, intimate evening together? Making his favorite meal and watching some ESPN together? Hearing words of praise and admiration? Whatever it is, try to show your love in his love language.
Dr. Chapman puts it this way, "We're not talking comfort. We're talking love. Love is something we do for someone else. So often couples love one another but they aren't connecting. They are sincere, but sincerity isn't enough."
If you are unsure of yours or your spouse's love language, consider taking the online quiz at www.5lovelanguages.com
There are countless ideas to make your hubby feel loved and appreciated. Start today by doing just a few little things that will show your love and commitment to him and your marriage. Because in the end, it really is the small details in our everyday interactions that mean the most to the ones we love.
