A wise man once told me that when I find myself around single women, especially when I find them attractive or interesting, I should mention my wife and family early in the conversation.

Fellow husbands, I have found the above advice and the other tips at the bottom to be essential in keeping my marriage intact. I want my marriage strong and healthy and so should you! In fact, it’s one of your biggest responsibilities in your marriage.

So let’s dig deeper into this subject. Where are some common places where you might run into this scenario? For many of you, it could easily happen at work. You could be starting a new job and find yourself around a lot of nice, new women. When this happens, you have to make the choice to embrace their attention or extinguish it in a friendly way by mentioning your beautiful wife and family. For some of you, you have been working around the same women for some time. You might have had the opportunity to engage in flirty conversation or go out with co-workers after work. If this is you and your wife is at home waiting for you, then it’s time to step back and assess your position as the husband and leader. Take the necessary steps to make your relationship with your wife the most important one again and don’t forget it. Lead gentlemen, lead!

Even though those were just a couple quick examples, I know there are a few of you out there that need to step up your role as a husband. Those examples don’t apply to you? Then consider who you know and talk to at your gym, at the grocery store, at the local hang out or wherever. These simple places could produce complex relationships that will harm your relationship and love with your wife. Man up and do what needs to be done for your marriage!

Now that I have your attention, here are five things every married man should do around single women.

1. Keep Your Ring On

There are very few exceptions for when that ring needs to be off. Operating heavy machinery, swimming in shark infested waters, etc. If you are about to enter a situation that makes you look at your ring and consider if you need it on or not, LEAVE! Seriously, get out of that situation; your vows, marriage, children and more depend on those important decisions. (More Here: Luke 16:10 ESV)

2. Hang Up Photos Of Your Wife At Work

A married man in this position would be wise to pick out a couple great photos of him and his wife and keep them displayed at his office or place of work. Pick a time that was fun for two reasons: it will remind you why you love her so much and it will make for a great conversation tool when others, especially women, ask about it. Update the image as needed to keep the people around you knowing your relationship is continuing to grow. Get that picture up this week and extinguish those flames. (More Here: Psalm 119:37 ESV)

3. Keep Eye Contact Simple And Short

Don’t read this the wrong way; I’m not saying to be rude. I’m saying to be careful where your eyes travel and how long they travel for when you are in the presence of an attractive single women. You know that once you engage in the first serious look, you have signed the dotted line for more trouble. Keep it short, keep it decisive and move on. Instead, feast your eyes on that image posted at your desk. (More Here: Matthew 5:28 KJV)

4. Keep Conversation General And Professional

If you work around single women, there is no question that conversation will come up. It’s up to you how you decide to speak with her. You can choose to keep it short and general, you can choose to keep it professional or you can choose to keep it off of those and allow it go places it shouldn’t. Be polite but very intentional in your conversations. If needed, always be ready to bring up something about your wife or family. Pull the pin, aim and distinguish. Safety first. (More Here: Romans 6:13 ESV)

5. Talk About Your Wife And Family Often

Did I mention anything about talking about your wife in conversation yet? I believe I did, but this last point brings the idea to a firm home. The single women you engage with should be no match for your wife and family. Your family should be your first priority wherever you are and with whomever you encounter each day. Keep it short, keep it simple and mention your beautiful wife. Now pat yourself on the back and keep it up. (More Here:  Ephesians 5:25-33 ESV) 

I challenge you to take these bold steps for you, your marriage and your family. Again, it’s your responsibility to LEAD!