On July 6, 2012 my wife and I celebrated our TEN year wedding anniversary. 10 years = 3, 650 days = 87, 600 hours = 5, 256, 000 minutes. I am quite sure it was harder on her than it was on me. I am a very blessed man. My wife has been a gift to me from God that I could never have expected.
Over the years, I have tried to learn a few things. It is a never ending process to improve. Just like bathing, self improvement must be done daily to work. I want to make an effort to be a better husband every day. Here are three things that I try to do as often as possible in becoming a better husband.
- Speak well of your wife. The words you speak are windows to your heart. It can start innocently enough. I know at one point I found myself telling co-workers about arguments that my wife and I were having. Now part of the problem is that I was only telling my half of the story, and she was not there to defend her side. I didn’t mean any harm by it. I was just trying to talk out my issues with my friends. What ended up happening is that I would only tell them about the arguments or issues I was having with my wife. I did not tell them about all the great things she did for me. I did not mention how she consistently goes out of her way to make my life better everyday. Human nature is to complain. So, at some point some of my coworkers started to think that my wife was not a good person. At that point I made a conscious effort to stop complaining all the time and start bragging and telling good things about my wife. I must admit that I still need to work on this, especially when I am with my wife.
- Learn the nine words to change your life. I am sorry. I was wrong. Please forgive me. This is one that I really need to work on. Without all nine of these words, an apology is not an apology. I have a tendency to forget the middle three words. I don’t like to admit that I am wrong. Unfortunately, if you do not include those middle three words, you might as well just forget all of it.
- Listen to your wife. Easier said than done. I know. That is the quest that all men have been seeking to conquer throughout time. Listening to your wife is more than just letting the words come into your ears. Listening also includes getting the true meaning behind the words. All humans need to feel loved, need to feel wanted, need to feel secure, amongst other things. Listen to what the words mean, and provide for her like you promised in the wedding vows you spoke to her.
I trust that I am a better husband now than I was ten years ago. I trust that I will be a better husband tomorrow than I am today.
What are some ways you have found to make your marriage stronger?