Dealing with the Ups and Downs of Married Life

Appreciation is one of the components of Dr. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. People need to be appreciated to help them feel their self-worth.

Your husband is no different from other people. He needs appreciation too, just like anyone else.

Image credit: Cioux Casala

In fact, he might need your appreciation the most. Showing your appreciation need not be grandiose. You can show it through the simple little things you do for him. Here are incredibly simple ways to do this.

 Say Thank You

Say “Thank you,” for any favor he has done for you, no matter how small it is. Say it with a smile and a kiss or a hug.

It does not have to be a huge favor for you to say thank you. As we oftentimes hear people say: “It’s the thought that counts.”

Do Sweet Little Things for Him

Being sweet and thoughtful of your spouse is one way of showing your appreciation. Give him a backrub or a massage. Cook his favorite dish. Tuck a love note in his folder. Give him a gift even if there is no occasion.

Couple these with loving actions and you will not only show how much you care, but it would also revive the romance in your marriage.  

Be Lavish with Praise but Stingy with Criticism

No one is perfect not even you, so you must remember to focus on his good points and praising him for them. When you do not have an option but to criticize, then do it in a loving manner. Don’t say, “You’re wrong.” Say instead, “Honey, wouldn't it be good if …”  

Bring Back Romance to Your Marriage

Bringing back romance is also one way of showing he is appreciated. Tell him how much you admire how he works hard for the family and that you are lucky you have him. Bring back the things that you loved to do while you were newly-weds.

You may want to have week-end vacations without the children in your favorite place where you can talk and spend quality time with each other.  

Be a Good Mother to Your Children

By being a good mother to your children you are showing your husband how much you appreciate him for being a good father.

Don’t be shy to say outwardly how much you appreciate his being a responsible father and husband. These are only some ways of expressing your appreciation for your spouse.

You can be creative and devise your own method, because only you know what your husband would appreciate most.