When most people think about marriage, love is probably the first thing that comes to mind. But what keeps a marriage going strong for years and years? It’s not just love; it’s also hard work. Luckily, there are some easy ways to make things a little bit easier for yourself and your spouse. Check out our top ten hacks for being a better spouse!
Compliment them regularly.
Regular compliments are the key to a happy marriage. Whether it’s telling them how much you appreciate their cooking or how great they look in that new outfit, a sincere compliment can go a long way. You might even want to write your spouse a heartfelt letter expressing your love and appreciation for everything they do.
If you want your spouse to feel appreciated, start by regularly expressing gratitude. But don’t just say “thank you” – take the time to really notice the things they do that improve your life and let them know how much you appreciate it. Whether it’s taking out the trash, picking up the kids from soccer practice, or simply being there for you when you need them, make sure they know you noticed and are grateful.
Regular compliments will not only make your spouse feel good, but they’ll also make them more likely to continue doing things that make your life easier. So start showing your appreciation today – your marriage will be all the better for it.
Make time for date night.
Date nights are important for keeping romance alive in your marriage. If you can’t remember the last time you and your spouse had a night out without the kids, it’s probably time to start planning some regular date nights. Even if you can’t get away for an overnight trip or a fancy dinner, making time for a regular date night will show your spouse that you’re still interested in them and that you’re willing to make time for just the two of you.
If you’re unsure how to start, try planning a weekly or monthly “date night” where you turn off your phones, put the kids to bed early, and focus on each other. You can spend the time talking, catching up on each other’s day, or even just sitting in comfortable silence. The important thing is that you’re making time to be together without any distractions.
Date nights are a great way to keep the romance alive in your marriage, but they’re also important for simply spending time together and reconnecting. So make sure to schedule some regular date nights with your spouse – you’ll both be glad you did.
Be thoughtful about gifts.
Gift-giving is one of the most important ways to show your spouse that you care. But it’s not just about giving them material things; it’s also about giving them thoughtful and meaningful gifts.
Think about the things your spouse loves and what would make them happy. If they love to travel, a gift certificate to their favorite travel site would be a great idea. If they’re always talking about wanting to try a new hobby, get them a beginners’ kit for that activity. Or, if they just had a tough week at work, a massage or spa day would be the perfect way to help them relax.
The key is putting some thought into your gifts so that your spouse knows you care about them and their happiness. Simply buying them something because it’s what they want is not as thoughtful as taking the time to consider what would really make them happy. So the next time you’re looking for a gift for your spouse, take some time to think about what they would love – it’ll mean the world to them.
Do thoughtful things for them.
Similar to giving thoughtful gifts, doing kind things for your spouse is also a great way to show them how much you care. Whether it’s taking care of a chore, they hate, running an errand for them, or simply doing something to make their day a little easier, thoughtful gestures like these go a long way in showing your spouse that you’re thinking of them.
Of course, you don’t need to do something special for your spouse daily – that would be impossible! But doing something thoughtful for them regularly will let them know that you care about their happiness and that you’re always looking for ways to make their life a little bit easier. So start thinking of ways to be thoughtful towards your spouse today – they’ll definitely appreciate it.
Communicate openly and honestly.
One of the most important things you can do for your marriage is to communicate openly and honestly with your spouse. This means discussing both the good and the bad in your relationship without fear or judgment.
It can be difficult to open up about your thoughts and feelings, but it’s important if you want your marriage to thrive. When you’re able to communicate openly with your spouse, it allows you to connect with them on a deeper level and understand their perspective better. It also makes it easier to work through any problem since you’ll approach them from a place of understanding and respect.
If you’re not used to communicating openly with your spouse, it may take some time to get used to. But it’s definitely worth the effort, as it will make your marriage stronger and more resilient in the long run. So start practicing open and honest communication with your spouse today – your marriage will thank you for it.
Here are some tips for communicating effectively with your spouse:
- Make sure you’re both on the same page about your discussion. This means taking the time to explain your thoughts and feelings clearly and making sure your spouse understands where you’re coming from.
- Avoid getting defensive. It’s easy to get defensive when you feel like your spouse is attacking you, but it’s important to remember that they’re just trying to express their thoughts and feelings. If you can stay calm and open-minded, it’ll be much easier to have a productive conversation.
- Listen to what your spouse is saying. It’s so important to listen to what your spouse is telling you, even if you don’t agree with it. Try to see things from their perspective and understand where they’re coming from.
- Be respectful. Even if you have different opinions, respecting your spouse’s point of view is important. Avoid getting angry or raising voices, and keep the conversation as civil as possible.
- Compromise. In any relationship, it’s important to be willing to compromise. This means being open to giving and taking and finding a solution that works for both of you.
Communicating effectively with your spouse is one of the best things you can do for your marriage. So start practicing these tips today, and see how they can help improve your relationship.
Be affectionate.
Showing physical affection is an important part of any relationship, and marriage is no different. Whether cuddling, holding hands, or simply kissing your spouse goodbye in the morning, being affectionate with them is a great way to show them how much you care.
Hugs, kisses, and other forms of physical affection can help to strengthen the emotional bond between you and your spouse. Plus, it’s just a nice way to let them know you’re thinking of them.
Of course, you don’t need to be all over each other all the time – that would probably get pretty annoying! But making an effort to show physical affection regularly will let your spouse know that you still find them attractive and that you enjoy being close to them. It’s also a great way to build intimacy and closeness in your relationship.
So if you’re not used to being very affectionate with your spouse, start making an effort to show them some physical love today. They’ll certainly appreciate it.
Be supportive.
One of the most important things you can do for your spouse is to be supportive of your spouse’s dreams and goals. If they want to go back to school or start their own business, find ways to help them make it happen. It’s important to show them that you believe in them and want them to succeed.
Of course, you can’t always be there for your spouse 24/7. But being supportive when they need you will definitely help strengthen your relationship no matter what they’re going through. Whether they’re dealing with a difficult situation at work, going through a tough time in their personal life, or just feeling stressed out, it’s important to be there for them.
Being supportive doesn’t mean always agreeing with your spouse – it just means being understanding and accepting of whatever they’re going through. It also means being willing to help however you can, whether lending a listening ear, offering advice, or just being there for them.
Try to resolve conflict constructively.
Handle conflict calmly and constructively. If arguments do arise, try to handle them calmly and constructively instead of letting things get heated and out of control. This will help reduce stress levels overall and make it more likely that you’ll be able to resolve disagreements quickly and effectively.
Some tips for constructively handling conflict include:
- Avoiding personal attacks and instead focusing on the issue at hand.
- Listening to your spouse’s perspective and trying to see things from their point of view.
- Staying calm and avoiding getting defensive.
- Trying to find a compromise that works for both of you.
Mutual respect is essential in any relationship, and marriage is no different. It’s important to always speak to your spouse with kindness and to treat them with respect, even when you’re feeling angry or frustrated. Respect also means being considerate of your spouse’s needs and feelings. Take the time to listen to what they’re saying and to understand their perspective. And don’t hesitate to compromise or make sacrifices for them when necessary. Learning always to speak and act with respect towards your spouse will go a long way in keeping your relationship strong.
Of course, keeping calm during an argument is not always easy. But if you can learn to handle conflict in a more constructive way, it’ll make a big difference in your relationship.
Be patient.
Patience is a virtue, and it’s especially important in marriage. There will be times when your spouse does something that annoys you or when you don’t see eye-to-eye on something. And in those moments, it’s important to be patient with them.
Remember that you’re both human and that making mistakes and having disagreements is normal. Try to be understanding and forgiving when your spouse does something that bothers you. And if you’re having trouble seeing eye-to-eye on something, take a step back and try to come at it from a different angle.
Patience is key in any relationship, but it’s especially important in marriage. So if you can learn to be more patient with your spouse, it’ll go a long way towards strengthening your bond.
Have realistic expectations.
Most people enter marriage with high hopes and dreams of everlasting love and happiness. Unfortunately, reality often falls short of these expectations. Over time, the excitement and passion of those early days begin to fade, and flaws and differences that were once seen as endearing start to grate on our nerves.
To have a happy and lasting marriage, it’s important to have realistic expectations. We need to accept that our partner is not perfect and that there will be times when we will argue and even grow apart. However, if we are committed to working through these challenges, we can become stronger and closer.
If you expect your spouse to always make you happy or to never do anything that upsets you, you will be in for a rude awakening. Instead, try to have realistic expectations of marriage. It’s not always going to be perfect, and there will be times when you’re not thrilled with your spouse.
But as long as you’re both committed to making things work, you can get through the tough times and become stronger on the other side. Sometimes, all it takes is a little patience and understanding. If you can manage your expectations and accept that marriage isn’t always going to be perfect, it’ll go a long way in helping you stay happy in your relationship.
Conclusion.
Although it may seem difficult, following these top ten hacks can help improve your relationship and make you a better spouse. If you are having trouble implementing some of these tips, don’t be afraid to ask for help from friends, family members, or professionals. With a little effort and time, you can create the happy and healthy marriage you have always wanted. What hack will you start with today? Thanks for reading!
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Reviewed By: Joanna Perez and Marcella Raskin
Edited By: Lenny Terra
Fact Checked By: Gabrielle J. Smith
Photos Taken or Curated By: Matthew Mansour