15 Practical Ways To Love Your Husband
You’ve heard it said time and again – you have to choose love every single day. Just because he put a ring on it and you both said ‘I do’ doesn’t mean that you get to stop trying.
Healthy marriages are ones in which both spouses continue to actively love each other through little, everyday acts of selflessness and kindness towards the other. Here are some practical ways to love your husband:
1. Greet Him at the Door
Even if you’re in the middle of something, take the time to give your man a warm welcome. “Hi, honey, how was your day?” and a kiss will make him feel loved and oh-so-happy to be home. Everyone appreciates being assured that their presence is a gift.
2. Ask for His Opinion
Men desire respect. Showing your husband that you value his opinion will make him feel respected and loved. So, the next time you’re facing a decision – be it something small, like how to rearrange the furniture, or something big, such as whether or not you should commit to graduate school – ask him what he thinks.
Everyone appreciates being assured that their presence is a gift.
3. Laugh at His Jokes
They’re probably more cheesy than funny, but laugh anyways. It’s great for your chemistry! Plus, science has shown that men prefer women who laugh at their jokes and women prefer to do the laughing – so it’s a win-win.
4. Plan a Creative Date Night
When life gets busy, it can be easy to let the romance fizzle. Keep things lively and fresh with a creative date night. Choose a fun home project to tackle, go rock-climbing, plan a scavenger hunt around town, or make reservations at that place you’ve been dying to try.
5. Spontaneously Take His Share of the Chores
Does he always take out the trash, mow the lawn, and get the oil changed? Surprise him by taking on one of these tasks before he gets to it. And, then, since he has the afternoon free, make time for fun together!
6. Leave Him Love Notes
Sweet texts are good, but handwritten love notes are even better. Leave them in his lunchbox, briefcase, or his sock drawer. Or scrawl an “I love you” on a post-it note and stick it to the mirror, fridge, or dashboard. It’ll be sure to put a smile on his face.
7. Cook His Favorite Meals
You know he gets excited when he smells homemade bread baking in the oven and a pot of stew simmering on the stove. It might take extra time and effort on your part, but that’s what makes it a real act of love. And, truly, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.
The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.
8. Pack His Lunch
Before he tosses a banana and granola bar in a brown paper bag and calls it good, make him a tasty, well-balanced lunch that will give him the go-power he needs for a long afternoon at work. Don’t forget to include a little love note!
9. Encourage Him To Have Guy Time
Sure, time with just the two of you is the best, but men still need time with their guy friends (just like you need your monthly ladies’ night out). Encourage him to meet his buddies for a beer, go on the hiking trip, or even just have some of the guys over to watch the game. Letting him know that you want him to have this time will be so healthy for your marriage!
10. Take Care of His Laundry
Men are notorious for leaving their dirty laundry on the floor (usually right next to the hamper). As frustrating as it may be, remember that 1) men and women just operate differently and 2) you love him, so picking up his laundry (and taking care of the washing, folding, and ironing) is a way to express that love in a humble (and heroic) way.
11. Really Listen To Him
When he tells you about his day, really listen. Don’t just nod and say “mhm.” Stop what you’re doing, make eye contact, ask questions, and respond in a proper fashion (words of encouragement, advice, praise, or consolation).
12. Praise Him in Front of Others
All too often, we hear women publicly putting down their husbands in subtle or not-so-subtle ways. Really, we should be raising our men up with words of love and praise! When an opportunity presents itself to lift him up in front of others, take it!
Don’t let his hard work and love go unnoticed and unappreciated.
13. Wear the Dress He Likes
Fashion serves many purposes, such as conveying who you are and what you value. We also dress to honor others. You wouldn’t, for example, go to Buckingham Palace wearing a t-shirt and shorts. As a wife, you can dress to honor your husband. If you know he really loves that red sundress, wear that on your next date night!
14. Be Interested in What He’s Interested in
You don’t have to share all of the same hobbies, but you can express authentic interest in those pastimes that he enjoys. Join him on a fishing trip, ask him to teach you some chords on the guitar, or watch the baseball game with him (without falling asleep!).
15. Say “Thank You”
Don’t let his hard work and love go unnoticed and unappreciated. Thank him for providing for you and your family. Thank him for all of the support he gives you. Thank him for choosing you every day. Thank him for being him.
Closing Thoughts
Spousal love goes beyond big, grand acts. It’s built up and made stronger in those small choices to choose the other over oneself. So, iron his shirts, drop what you’re doing to give him a kiss, and surprise him with a batch of chocolate chip cookies. He’ll feel the love.
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