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If you’ve been married for a while, it’s easy to get complacent and let things slide. But just because you’re comfortable with your spouse doesn’t mean you should stop trying to be the best husband you can be. After all, you love your partner and want to make sure she knows it.
Here is some helpful advice on how to be a better husband for a happy marriage:
1. Spend time with your spouse
One of the best ways to be a better husband is to spend time with your partner. You don’t have to spend every waking moment together, but it’s important to carve out some quality time for just the two of you. This can be tough if you have kids or a demanding job, but it’s important to make an effort.
This can be something as simple as going for a walk together, cooking dinner together, or just sitting down and talking. Make sure that you schedule this time into your week, so it doesn’t get crowded out by other things.
2. Be present when you are with your spouse
When you are spending time with your partner, it’s important to be present. This means putting away your phone, turning off the TV, and giving them your full attention. Really listen to what they’re saying and try to engage in the conversation. This can be a challenge if you’re used to multi-tasking, but it’s important to focus on your spouse when you’re spending time together.
If you’re not used to being present, it can help to set aside some time each day to practice. Turn off all distractions and focus on a single task. This will help you train your brain to be more present when you’re with your spouse.
3. Help out around the house
This should be a given, but it’s important to help out with daily chores and responsibilities. If you’re not used to pitching in, it can be tough to get started. But once you get into the habit, it will become second nature. Plus, your spouse will appreciate the help!
Start by doing household chores like laundry, dishes, and vacuuming. If you have kids, pitch in with childcare duties as well. You can also help out with yard work, grocery shopping, and other errands. The more you do to pitch in, the easier it will be for your spouse.
4. Be supportive
It’s important to be supportive of your spouse, both emotionally and physically. This means being there for them when they need to talk, lending a shoulder to cry on, and being understanding when they’re going through a tough time. It also means being physically present when they need you and offering help with tasks or projects.
In a healthy relationship, both partners should feel like they can rely on each other for support. If you’re not used to being supportive, it can be tough to know where to start. But a good place to start is simply by offering your time and attention. Listen to your spouse when they need to talk, and offer help when they need it.
5. Communicate effectively
Communication is key in any relationship, and that includes marriage. If you’re not communicating with your spouse, it’s easy for things to get lost in translation. This can lead to misunderstandings, arguments, and even resentment.
Make sure that you’re communicating with your spouse regularly. This means talking about your day-to-day lives, sharing your thoughts and feelings, and being open and honest with each other. Also, make sure to listen to your spouse when they’re communicating with you. Really try to understand their perspective and where they’re coming from.
6. Be affectionate
It’s important to show your spouse physical affection, even if you’re not a touchy-feely person. This can be something as simple as giving them a hug, holding their hand, or giving them a kiss. Physical affection is a way to show your spouse that you care about them and are attracted to them. It can also be a way to de-stress and bond with each other.
Every person is different, so you’ll need to figure out what kind of affection your spouse likes. Some people like to be hugged, while others prefer a backrub. Experiment and see what makes your spouse feel loved.
7. Romantic gestures
Small, romantic gestures can go a long way in a long-term relationship. This could be something as simple as bringing them breakfast in bed, sending them a love note, or buying them flowers for no reason. It’s the thought that counts, so even a small gesture can make a big impact.
Thoughtful gestures like this will show your spouse that you’re still thinking about them, even after all these years. It’s a way to keep the romance alive in your relationship. Check out this article for more ideas on romantic gestures: 14 cute things to do for your girlfriend!
8. Be grateful for what you have
Take a moment to think about all of the things your spouse does for you on a daily basis. This doesn’t only mean the big things, like bringing home a paycheck or making sure the kids are fed and clothed. It also means the little things, like taking out the trash or folding your laundry. Whatever it is, be grateful for it.
Saying “thank you” goes a long way, but you can also show your appreciation in other ways. You could buy your spouse a small gift, write them a heartfelt note, or simply give them a hug and tell them how much you appreciate them.
9. Spend time with friends and family
It’s important to have a life outside of your marriage. This means spending time with friends and family, pursuing hobbies and interests, and generally just doing things that make you happy. It’s also important to give your spouse some space every now and then.
As always, communication is key. Talk to your spouse about how much time you need for yourself, and make sure they’re comfortable with it. It’s also important to respect their need for alone time. Just because you enjoy being around people all the time doesn’t mean they do.
10. Seek help if needed
If you’re having difficulty in your marriage, don’t be afraid to seek help from a (marriage) therapist. There’s no shame in admitting that you need help, and a therapist can be a great resource for couples who are struggling.
If you’re not sure if therapy is right for you, there are other options as well. You could read a self-help book or talk to a trusted friend or family member about your problems. The important thing is that you’re taking steps to improve yourself and your marriage.
Remember, nobody is perfect. We all make mistakes, and that’s okay. What’s important is that you’re always learning and growing as a person, and that’s all anybody can ask for. If you’re doing your best to be a good husband, then that’s all that matters. If you’re looking for more marriage advice, head over to this article.
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Amy Clark
Amy Clark is a freelance writer who writes about relationships, marriage, and family. She has been happily married for over ten years and loves her husband and three kids. Before …
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