Sixteen Simple Steps To Ensure Your Husband Feels Appreciated!

How we treat each other under stress says a lot. Stressful conditions put a strain on our relationships, particularly the husband-wife bond. These sixteen ideas will help strengthen and maintain a healthy balance even when under stress. Actions always speak louder than words, especially when it comes to showing respect and love toward your husband. These are simple, practical, and habit worthy ideas to make your man feel respected and very appreciated by you. I guarantee he will take notice when you begin.

1. Be his number one cheerleader!
2. Allow him to have his own opinion, whether right or wrong, perceived or in fact. Quit trying to convince him otherwise. Accept that he has the right to think or feel how he does. That doesn’t mean you have to agree with him on it, just that you are extending grace to accept his right to his view.
3. Choose to submit. (Okay…ouch….this one I struggle to put into practice but I am always blessed when I do) Let him lead/choose when disagreeing. This is not always easy to do. Here is a quick example. My husband wanted to paint the bathroom a deep brown, not the tan I wanted. The much darker tone in a small room had me concerned. I objected enough that it was becoming an argument. After a short break and some prayer, I reconsidered and submitted because I knew we could repaint if it really looked horrible. In truth, when I submitted, he took that as a movement of trusting his judgment. After changing up some items to accessorize, it looked great. I humbly admitted that I liked the color he chose. His idea and feelings were validated and we bypassed an unnecessary rift.
4. Truthfully admire something he does well. Let your husband know how he has made a positive effect on you or others with his actions. All too often, we fall short on complimenting a good action. You might just see more of that behavior by admiring his handiwork.
5. Pay him a compliment in front of co-workers or friends. We are quick to mention faults and shortcomings and seldom acknowledge the good in each other. Make it a point to do this every time you can. Appreciating him in public enables your pride in him to be seen openly.
6. Pray for him daily for wisdom, protection, good health, to be a good father, to be a good husband, to be a great financial provider, for promotions, and for any areas of concern there may be. Pray for him to be a loving family leader. God is faithful to hear our prayers. Never underestimate how a single prayer might be uttered at just the right time to render assistance when a crisis is occurring in his day.
7. Don’t nag repeatedly once the request has been made. Do the task yourself if possible and move on or just drop it and let it go till a more convenient time to deal with it. There will be more peace in your home if you do.
8. Allow your husband some downtime when he is home without reminding him of all the small repairs that need his attention. Everyone needs a breather from work to just be still for a few moments. Instead, try scheduling a time to work on those projects together with a small reward after the project is done as an incentive. Acknowledge that you both have a limited amount of time and energy to get the never-ending lists of to-dos done. Be on the same team to accomplish the task.
9. Take up one of his hobbies or start a hobby together so that you can enjoy a common recreational activity. We like to hike, canoe, and work on small projects to improve our home. We’ve made wonderful memories together this way.
10. Make uninterrupted time for intimacy. No matter how long you have been married, being loyal, and making private time a priority is always a plus. It sends a powerful message that you matter most to me. You are my number one!
11. Forgive his shortcomings. Not a single person in this world has perfection nailed down. We all make mistakes, act out, make excuses when we fall short, and are hurtful to each other at some point. Forgive quickly so hard feelings don’t grow into a more serious problem. Make it a point not to bring it back up, move on. Look for my upcoming post on forgiveness for some great ways to forgive.
12. Honor him by not speaking negatively of him in public or behind his back. That old sentiment, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, then don’t say anything at all,” really rings true. Some conversations tear down more than build up his reputation among others. What does that say about you if you chose this man to marry? Proverbs 14:1 (KJV) states, “Every wise woman buildeth her house, but the foolish pulleth it down with her own hands.” The choice is yours.
13. Hold his hand when walking in public. Give him a hug when he comes in the door. Be genuinely glad to see him. Don’t let the dog outdo your welcome home greeting.
14. Put aside a chore or an event to spend quality time with him. Sit down and really listen to what is going on in his world. Be a friend. Go for coffee. Take a drive to some of the sentimental places from the past or add a new place to the list. Quality time should be just that. Minimize interruptions so important issues can be dealt with and all the facts are heard.
15. Make sure he has good reliable tools for work and the projects he needs to do around the house. Think “Tim, the tool man, Taylor, Oh, oh, oh, oh!” It will be a blessing for him and you.
16. Teach your children to respect him verbally and with their actions. This goes a long way for helping them learn how to respect others in positions of authority over them in their lifetime. Just saying, “Yes Sir or No Sir,” is an acknowledgment of respect and position. Remind them to offer him help where they can. Point out his good deeds often so they can be proud of him and show respect and gratitude on their own.