While dream vacations and life milestones are important, it’s the
simple things you do that make your wife happy. Show love and respect to your
bride every day, and remind her why you were the best choice she’s ever made.
Here are 10 basic tips for showing everyday love. Remember: Happy wife, happy
life. (Hint: If you have a sign like the one Ryan's holding, it's likely you're rocking the "husband" thing.)
(Written originally for FamilyHow.com. See my article here.)
1. Introduce her with a compliment. Saying
something like “I’d like you to meet my beautiful wife,” or “Here’s my better
half” goes farther than you may realize. Publicly recognizing her as your
cherished partner validates that you love her.
2.
Embrace when you see her. At
the end of a long day conquering office battles and keeping the kids from
climbing walls, you could both use a loving hug. Make a point of showing you
missed her and are glad to be reunited. A big kiss doesn’t hurt, either.
3.
Ask her how you can help. If this
is a new one for you, she may think there’s a catch. With a sincere willingness
to give a helping hand, ask how you can lift her burden. This gesture applies
to more than yard work, but being in tune with her needs emotionally and
spiritually, as well. Sometimes she just needs a listening ear.
4.
Let her pick the movie. Or, if
you’re playing games, let her choose. She needs to know her opinion counts in
your marriage. Taking turns with these simple choices makes it easier to
compromise on the bigger choices together.
5.
Forgive her fast. She
forgot to pack your lunch, or accidentally broke your TV remote. So, she’s
human, after all? With all that she does right, let it go when she makes
mistakes. After all, you’re no perfection yourself, cupcake!
6.
Hold her hand in public. Some
women are less inclined to public displays, but when appropriate, reach out and
squeeze her hand. With the reassurance you’re proud she’s yours, she’ll walk a
little taller, and smile a little bigger.
7.
Write her love letters. You
don’t have to be Shakespeare; the thought matters most here. Focus on specific things you love about her; the wrinkle in
her nose when she laughs or how she finds joy in the little things. You can
hide it in her makeup bag, under her pillow, or somewhere else she'll discover
it. She’ll be happily surprised and treasure your words for years to come.
8.
Open the door for her. Chivalry
is not dead. Opening the door is a gentlemanly way to take care of your lady.
She likely grew up wanting to be a princess. Be her prince.
9.
Carve out time for consistent date night. In
an on-the-go digital world, it’s easy to get caught up in the minutia of kids,
work, community, extended family and even church responsibilities. Set aside a
weekly special night just for the two of you. It doesn’t need to be costly or
extravagant. Just make an effort to court her, as you did when you were dating.
10. Let
her fly. As her partner, you are in the best position to help her
reach her dreams.
