In a society that seems to have accepted the ease in divorce, it’s more important than ever to work at a marriage to ensure it lasts. Just as in anything else in life, marriage takes work. The following are 10 ways to make your spouse feel special:
1. Vocalize Your Love
While it is often said that actions speak louder than words, it’s definitely important to vocalize the love you have for your spouse. Tell your wife you love her regularly; ensure your husband is confident in your love for him.
2. Flattery vs. Affirmations
While it can be nice to give the occasional compliment to your spouse about a certain outfit or hairstyle, it can make much more of an impact to give her an affirmation rather than just words of flattery.
Put some deep thought into your affirmations, such as, “You do a great job keeping the family together” or “You are an amazing provider for our family.” These are words that really show your spouse appreciation on a much deeper level than just a simple compliment on new pair of slacks.
3. Don’t Use Words in Anger
One of the biggest ways you can make your spouse feel special is by treating him or her with respect and love, even during those difficult times. The child’s notion of, “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me,” is wrong––almost everyone has scars from words that made profound impacts on their lives. Never go to bed angry, and always think through your thoughts before speaking them aloud––some things cannot be unsaid.
4. Be Helpful
Every marriage has unspoken roles when it comes to certain household jobs. For example, maybe one spouse always takes out the garbage while the other empties the kitty litter box on a regular basis. Is your spouse having a particularly stressful or bad week?
Participate in a true partnership and do your husband or wife’s regular chores in addition to your own. This will show your spouse that you’re here for her and in turn, she’ll appreciate your thoughtfulness.
And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him —Genesis 2:18, KJV
5. Take Interest
Everyone has a preferred hobby and a great way to show your spouse that you care about his or her interests is to participate. This can mean signing up for a couple’s cooking course, dance lesson or just going to see a baseball game together.
6. Forgo Jealousy
Trust and honesty are a huge part of what a marriage is based on and showing your spouse you have trust in her is a way you can reveal how special she is. In this technology-driven world, this can come in the form of keeping an open-door policy on passwords and codes for your electronic devices.
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love —1 John 4:18, KJV
7. Help Others
Helping others that are less fortunate can help couples better understand the blessings in their own lives. Additionally, doing this as a couple can help to bring you together.
8. Act without Complaining
Marriage is about give-and-take, and there will inevitably be times when you will be asked to help. Many times, it’s not about the actual action, but the response.
Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world —Philippians 2:14-15, KJV
9. Unexpected Gestures of Love
Perform the actions you might do on an anniversary or Valentine’s Day, but do them on a regular old Wednesday. Whether it’s a gift of flowers, a written poem or just waking your spouse with his morning coffee already made, small acts of love can make a huge difference in a relationship.
10. Make Time
It can be easy to get hung up on the everyday routine of our daily lives, with overtime hours at work and seemingly endless chores at home. However, putting in that extra effort to make time for your spouse shows that your partner is a priority in your life.