Everything else appears to be wonderful if you have a happy marriage. But if your marriage is in trouble, it doesn’t matter what else is going well in your life; a tense home may quickly spill into other areas of your life and foul your mood regardless of how fortunate the remainder of your life turns out to be.
Many spouses believe their partners could be acting differently. But the truth is that you can’t change anyone unless you first change yourself. If you make a real, sincere attempt to be a better husband, your marriage will improve. To that end, here are some suggestions for immediately becoming a better husband.
1. Take Over One of Their Chores
The majority of relationships, especially at work, are reciprocal. Unfortunately, it isn’t the case when it comes to marriage. Relationships based on the idea of „you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours“ lack the element of love, a feeling that is expressed most fully in the act of giving. After all, you only have control over how much love you give. When they first meet their soulmate, many men are chivalrous and helpful. However, when their awe fades, and habit takes hold, they begin to form expectations. They’ll expect something in return if they’re asked to assist.
Stop looking for that quid pro. Look for responsibilities that your spouse usually takes on and take them on yourself. It will be easier for you to live if you make things easier for your partner. Get the kids from school so your partner may relax in the afternoon and have a me-day. Let them watch their favorite show or read a good book while you do the dishes (listening to podcasts like Go Hard helps). Make a call to the utility company to correct the billing error, so they don’t have to. Not only will these helpful habits make your partner happy, but you’ll also begin to develop into the role of caregiver and provider, which will make you feel much more content.
2. Make an „I’m Grateful For“ List
When you and your spouse first met, you were probably looking at each other through rose-colored glasses. When you’re enamored with someone, it’s easy to overlook the aspects of them that you find bothersome or problematic. However, as time passes, stressors such as job, life, personal finances, and health take their toll, and you might become more sensitive to the things that irritate you in your partner. Instead, fill your heart with thankfulness and positivity, and let the negativity out.
Every day, make a list of five things you’re grateful for about your spouse. If they don’t come to mind right away, do some mental work and reflection to come up with something. Nothing is too insignificant to be noticed. If you do this every day, you’ll notice a significant change in your attitude toward your partner. Better still, express your gratitude to them and make them feel special. You’ll see them light up and feel the same way if you do this. There is no such thing as too much thankfulness when it comes to gratitude, and as you begin to practice it, your cup will overflow into all other areas of your life.
3. Be a Good Listener
When your partner shares their feelings and thoughts with you, they are seldom interested in seeking assistance. Instead, they’re attempting to flesh out their ideas by talking them out. Don’t give them advice unless they specifically request it. Try acting with empathy instead. Instead of instantly trying to come up with answers to their difficulties, repeat back to your partner a shortened version of what they’re saying. This acknowledges their feelings, and by doing so, you are assisting them in asking the proper questions rather than simply imposing yourself and demonstrating why you know better.
Being a good husband doesn’t have to be difficult, but it does take some work.