I know that I have not been married for too long (just under three years). However, I feel I have grown and learned a few things in my short time as a wife. Here are a few things I have discovered that positively affect my relationship with my husband.
- Notice the little things. Typically, when I think of “noticing the little things” I have an image of a man not noticing his wife’s dramatic hair cut, or a completely rearranged house. However, it is important to notice the little things, for instance, if your spouse does a chore you normally do.
- Do the little things. Be the spouse that does the extra chore. In my home, I am always so thankful when my husband empties the dish washer or takes our dogs for a walk when it is my turn.
- Encourage your spouse in whatever they are doing. As I was sitting here writing this article, my husband actually needed my encouragement to continue studying! My husband is so good about knowing when I need encouragement as well as what type of encouragement I need.
- Keep a good attitude. It is easy to bring others around you down when you have a bad attitude. I know that too often I have the wrong attitude and that it can negatively impact my husband. Just in the same way it is easy to bring others around you down, you can also bring others around you up by having a good attitude.
- Treat your spouse the way you would want to be treated. Exercise the golden rule. By first considering how you might respond to your own actions (whether good or bad) you can help prevent treating your spouse poorly.
- Learn when to listen and when to talk. Sometimes I need to talk to my husband, and sometimes I need him to listen. This is a true art (one I have not mastered yet!).
What are some things that you have found to positively affect your marriage relationship?