Tips For a Happy Marriage: Doing Less and Appreciating More
Quite awhile back my husband made the remark, “I want to work as much overtime as I can so I can buy you the things you want.”
You probably won’t wonder why that brought tears to my eyes. I was not sad. I was overcome with gratitude at how much our marriage has changed from 20 years ago. There were times when we hated each other. Not pleasant at all.
I started contemplating about some of the ways I have changed.
One of the major changes I’ve made is to “do less for him and appreciate more what he does for” me. (From What Your Mother Couldn’t Tell You and Your Father Didn’t Know by John Gray).
When our husbands know we genuinely appreciate them, it’s much more fun for them to do things for us.
Practical ways to do this:
When he speaks your love language (whether it’s a hug, a compliment or just letting you talk) you might say, “Thank-you for___________. It really makes me feel loved.”
When he offers to do something for you say, “That would be great, thank you so much.”
When he gives you something or does something you really appreciate let him see you get excited or (if you’re emotional like I am) cry tears of joy.
Actively look for and express gratitude for the things he does on a regular basis. Never take him for granted.
Women often think they have to do things for their husband to convey their love. If you have been caught in this trap, try doing less for him and appreciating more what he does for you.
