A wife’s treatment of her husband is an important factor in building a strong, happy marriage. While every marriage is different, there are some key principles that can help guide a wife in how to best love and respect her husband.
Show Him Respect
One of the most fundamental ways a wife can treat her husband is with respect. This means speaking to him with kindness, not belittling him or putting him down, especially in front of others. It means valuing his opinions and perspectives, even when they differ from your own. Showing respect also includes being mindful of his time, not demanding too much of his attention or time away from work or hobbies. Making the effort to respect your husband will go a long way in his happiness and satisfaction in the marriage.
Don’t Nag or Criticize
Along with respect, avoiding nagging or frequent criticism is important in how a wife treats her husband. Excessive nagging or criticism will only breed resentment and discord in the relationship. Of course issues need to be discussed in marriage, but there are constructive, respectful ways to give feedback or address conflicts that don’t involve damaging nagging or criticism.
Be Supportive
Instead of criticism, a wife can treat her husband well by being supportive of him. This could include things like:
- Encouraging him in his work and career aspirations
- Supporting his hobbies and interests
- Being proud of his accomplishments
- Comforting him when he is stressed or discouraged
- Celebrating his achievements
This type of support from his wife is invaluable for a husband and will strengthen the bonds in marriage.
Express Appreciation
Another key element in how to treat your husband is to express appreciation for what he contributes and does. Things like:
- Thanking him for working hard to provide for the family
- Letting him know you are grateful for times he helped with chores or childcare
- Acknowledging his efforts in home repairs/improvements
- Appreciating his commitment to your marriage and family
Expressing gratitude and appreciation gives your husband a sense of validation and encouragement that his efforts are recognized and meaningful to you.
Give Compliments
Along with appreciation, compliments are a great way for a wife to treat her husband well. Some ideas include:
- Complimenting him when he dresses nicely or gets a new haircut
- Telling him how much you admire his skills and talents
- Praising him for being a good dad
- Letting him know when you think he looks handsome
Sincere compliments make your husband feel valued, boost his confidence, and remind him of your respect.
Prioritize Intimacy
An important part of marriage is nurturing physical and emotional intimacy with your husband. Making intimacy a priority means:
- Being sexually available and interested in order to meet his needs
- Making time to be together, just the two of you
- Creating space for meaningful conversations where you can talk openly and feel connected
- Trying new experiences together
- Showing affection through cuddling, hand-holding, hugging and thoughtful gestures
Focusing on growing intimacy strengthens the bond between a husband and wife.
Have a Positive Attitude
Having a positive attitude is another key element in treating your husband well. No marriage is perfect, but approaching issues with optimism, flexibility and understanding makes dealing with conflicts and differences much easier. A positive attitude also means focusing on your husband’s strengths versus his weaknesses and looking for the good in him and in your marriage.
Resolve Conflict Well
All married couples will experience disagreements and conflict at times. How a wife handles conflict can significantly impact the health of the relationship. Here are some tips for resolving conflict in a marriage well:
- Stay calm – don’t let anger escalate
- Listen to his perspective – avoid interrupting or dismissing his view
- Express your feelings without attacking – use “I” language
- Look for compromise – avoid “winning” or insisting on being right
- Focus on resolving the issue, not attacking the person
- Be quick to forgive
- Don’t bring up past issues or frustrations – stick to the topic at hand
- If things get heated, take a break and revisit later when emotions have settled
Learning to resolve conflict in a healthy, constructive way allows you to deal with differences while still protecting the health of your marriage.
Don’t Compare Him Negatively to Others
A common temptation many wives face is comparing their husband negatively to other men – friends’ husbands, relatives, coworkers, or even fictional characters. Pointing out how your husband falls short of someone else’s positive trait only hurts your marriage. Instead, avoid comparison and keep your focus on appreciating your husband’s unique positives.
Be His Friend
In the daily stresses of work, children, chores and commitments, it can be easy for couples to lose the friendship that was likely foundational when their marriage began. Finding ways to be your husband’s friend again is key to a strong marriage. This might include:
- Taking breaks together from daily stresses
- Laughing together
- Enjoying hobbies together
- Taking walks or having coffee dates – just the two of you
- Talking about fun topics, not just responsibilities
- Making time for friendship both inside and outside the home
Surprise Him Sometimes
Another way to treat your husband well and be his friend is to surprise him occasionally. This could be things like:
- Planning a fun weekend getaway together
- Getting tickets to a game or event he would enjoy
- Making his favorite meal or dessert
- Leaving loving notes for him to find
- Buying him a small gift “just because”
Small acts of kindness and efforts to surprise your husband help create positive feelings and fun memories together.
Accentuate the Positive
There are many challenges and obstacles married couples face, but focusing too much on the negative tends to erode the friendship and affection between husband and wife. When conflicts or grievances arise, it is important to still accentuate the positive by:
- Expressing what you appreciate about your husband and your life together
- Focusing on fond memories and what first drew you to each other
- Recognizing his efforts, even if they fall short sometimes
- Reminding yourself of his positive traits and admirable qualities
- Spending time in activities you both enjoy
Emphasizing the positive aspects of your marriage, even when going through difficult times, provides perspective and hope for the future.
Pray Together
For couples who are people of faith, praying together can be a powerful way wives can treat their husband well. Set aside time to pray together over shared hopes and struggles. Pray for each other’s well-being, growth and joy. Be encouraged knowing that God cares deeply about your marriage and wants to see it thrive in the midst of life’s ups and downs.
Conclusion
Treating your husband with honor, respect, appreciation, affection and positivity makes a big difference in the health and happiness of a marriage. While every couple is unique, applying principles like those above can strengthen the friendship, partnership and intimacy between husband and wife. A wife’s care and support provides a critical pillar for a thriving marriage that can weather storms and celebrate joys together over a lifetime.