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How can I be a Better Husband?

Margo Upson
Margo Upson
Margo Upson
Margo Upson

Marriage is the joining of two people in a bond meant to last a lifetime. Unfortunately, as evidenced by the rising divorce rates, this is not always how it goes. Marriages can fall apart for many reasons, and it is usually the fault of both people involved. However, by trying to be a better husband, you can possibly save a marriage heading down a rocky road, or improve an already strong relationship.

The first way to be a better husband is to rekindle the romance. This is not as difficult as it may sound. Start small, especially if it’s been a while. Bring home some flowers, and hold doors open for your wife. Show her through little things that you love and admire her. Hold hands again, and cuddle on the couch while watching a movie. If you can afford gifts to show your affection, that’s fine, but most women would prefer that their husbands spend more time than money on them.

Little shows of affection, such as holding hands again, can make one a better husband.
Little shows of affection, such as holding hands again, can make one a better husband.

Learning to spend more time together is important when trying to be a better husband. Make time for each other, a few hours every week, at the very least. If you can carve out even a half hour of time a day, just for the two of you, that is even better. Schedule regular date nights, without the kids. In addition, take an active interest in your wife’s hobbies. If she loves to cook, sign yourselves up for some cooking classes. Spending time together doing something that she really enjoys can make your marriage stronger.

Good listening and communication skills are important to a relationship.
Good listening and communication skills are important to a relationship.

Take the time to talk things out, since communication is essential to a great marriage. To be a better husband, you must be willing to listen. This is especially important when there is an argument. Learn to fight fair, and listen to each other's concerns. If communication is difficult for you and your wife, consider marriage counseling, as a counselor can help you both learn to better relate to each other. Listening in a non-judgmental way, and learning to phrase complaints in a loving way, can solve a lot of the problems that most marriages face.

Spending more time together as a couple, rather than out with friends, may help a man be a better husband to his wife.
Spending more time together as a couple, rather than out with friends, may help a man be a better husband to his wife.

There are many ways to be a better husband. The best way is to remember why you fell in love in the first place. At the beginning of your relationship, you were each other's best friend, and considerate of each other’s feelings and opinions. As a marriage goes on, it is easy to lose sight of this. As you try to become a better husband, there is a very good possibility that your wife will respond to your efforts and become a better wife.

Margo Upson
Margo Upson

Margo has a varied academic background, which has involved everything from psychology and culinary arts to criminal justice and education. These wide-ranging interests make her an ideal WiseGEEK writer, as she always enjoys becoming an expert on new and unfamiliar topics.

Learn more...
Margo Upson
Margo Upson

Margo has a varied academic background, which has involved everything from psychology and culinary arts to criminal justice and education. These wide-ranging interests make her an ideal WiseGEEK writer, as she always enjoys becoming an expert on new and unfamiliar topics.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

christym

@anon22473- That is a great point. I think that we, as a society, think that the men are supposed to be the ones to do the romantic things like buy flowers or leave cute notes around the house.

I am fortunate to have a wonderfully romantic husband. However, I do an equal amount of things for him. I make his lunch every night for the next day. I put cute little notes in his sandwiches (in saran wrap!).

It does go both ways to have a good marriage. I am glad that the editor acknowledged that. Way to go WiseGeek!!

anon22473

Why no article on how to be a better wife? I guess only husbands need improvement?

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    • Little shows of affection, such as holding hands again, can make one a better husband.
      By: lithian
      Little shows of affection, such as holding hands again, can make one a better husband.
    • Good listening and communication skills are important to a relationship.
      By: apops
      Good listening and communication skills are important to a relationship.
    • Spending more time together as a couple, rather than out with friends, may help a man be a better husband to his wife.
      By: Deklofenak
      Spending more time together as a couple, rather than out with friends, may help a man be a better husband to his wife.
    • A willingness to cuddle may help a husband rekindle some romance.
      By: mast3r
      A willingness to cuddle may help a husband rekindle some romance.
    • Having a regular date night with activities like going to the movies can help a relationship.
      By: Iuliia KOVALOVA
      Having a regular date night with activities like going to the movies can help a relationship.
    • Marriage counseling can help couples work through their difficulties and improve their communication.
      By: Martinan
      Marriage counseling can help couples work through their difficulties and improve their communication.
    • The best way to be a better husband is to remember the reason for falling in love in the first place.
      By: zoomyimages
      The best way to be a better husband is to remember the reason for falling in love in the first place.