Become a Better Husband with These 7 Tips

Whether your relationship could use a little TLC or you’re simply out to be the best spouse that you can be, there are many things a husband can do on his own to improve his marriage and become a better, more loving partner. Husbands that take a proactive approach to their role tend to report greater relationship satisfaction, more patient interactions, better sex and a happier marriage. 

Read on to discover some constructive ideas to help you become a better husband. 

1. Ask Your Partner

With a to-do list packed with things like negotiations training sessions at work and piano recitals, many couples go through the motions in their relationship for longer than they should. This can leave one or both of you feeling neglected, unseen or lonely. One of the best ways to find out how to be a better husband to your spouse is to simply ask what you can do to be more supportive and loving toward your partner. Sometimes, there’s no better way to discover something than to go straight to the source.

2. Look Inward

A little bit of personal growth can also grow and strengthen your relationship. Acknowledge any areas in which you could improve and make a sincere effort to work on whatever individual issues you may have that inhibit, or even prevent, connection between you and your spouse–especially at times when one of you really needs it. 

3. Perform Acts of Kindness

There are many ways to express love and appreciation for your partner. Find out what your spouse appreciates most, whether it’s a small gift of a favorite grocery store treat or a massage at the end of a hard day, and incorporate small acts of kindness into your day. The more intentional you are about showing your partner love and kindness, the closer and more in tune with one another you will feel. 

4. Practice Open Communication

Communication is the key to any successful relationship, but many husbands struggle to articulate their thoughts, feelings, wants, desires and needs with ease. However, open and honest communication lets your partner know that you trust and rely on your spouse, and it can provide valuable information to assist both of you in future interactions. If communication isn’t your forte, start by increasing the frequency with which you discuss logistical matters, and work your way to expressing your innermost thoughts at your own pace. 

5. Learn Even More About Your Spouse

It may seem as though you’ve learned all there is to know about your spouse, but neither of you are exactly the same person as when you first met. Go out of your way to strike up conversations about childhood memories, current fears or worries, dream vacation destinations or any thoughts about a current event. 

6. Facilitate Alone Time

Whether you have children in your home or it’s just the two of you, it’s important for you and your spouse to have alone time. Many married people, parents especially, struggle to find the opportunity to find alone time to recharge and refresh, especially when there are other family members around nearly all of the time. Plan a day where your spouse can be home alone, go out with friends, set off for a weekend getaway alone or enjoy a day out and about doing something t love. 

7. Schedule Uninterrupted Quality Time

There’s often not a lot of time and energy left at the end of the day for romance, but it doesn’t take much to demonstrate with love that your spouse matters to you. Schedule quality time, whether it’s a nightly check-in conversation or a weekly date night, in which you leave your stresses, obligations and other distractions behind and show up with your undivided attention. Try to switch up the ways you spend time together, incorporating fun, movement, thoughtfulness and shared passions. Remember that it’s less about the quantity and more about the quality of time spent with one another, and even a small daily interaction can make a big difference.