This Man Is Addressing the Tuition Crisis, One Family at a Time
5 min read
5 min read
5 min read
Six common things husbands wish their wives understood, and simple ways to give them what they're really asking for.
While every person and every relationship is different, most husbands share some common desires when it comes to their marriages. Here are six things most husbands want from their wives:
Husbands want to feel like their wives are satisfied with their efforts and their work. They want their strengths noticed far more than their shortcomings, and they want to be recognized for who they are instead of being compared to others.
What you may hear if your husband is asking for appreciation: "It feels like nothing I do is ever enough." "Sometimes I wonder if anything I do makes a difference." "I feel like you only point out when I do something wrong."
What you can do: Say thank you even for something you expect him to do. Notice his effort, not just the result. Express gratitude in front of others. Compliment his character. Leave a surprise note or text telling him how much you appreciate him.
Husbands want to feel like their wives respect their opinions and contributions. They want to be treated with dignity and spoken to respectfully, especially during a disagreement.
What you may hear if your husband is asking for more respect: "I'd like you to speak to me the same way you speak to other people." "I wish you would back me up instead of correcting me." "I feel like my opinion doesn't matter to you."
What you can do: Give him your full attention when he shares his thoughts. Avoid interrupting, and don't jump straight to criticism. Stick to the issue during an argument, and skip the sarcasm and subtle insults. Compliment him in front of others, and don't correct him in public even when you're right.
Husbands want to know their wives think about them and care about their needs. They want warmth, emotional support and gentleness.
What you may hear if your husband is asking for more nurturing and kindness: "I'd love it if you asked how my day was." "Sometimes I just need you to be on my side." "I need to know that you care about what I'm going through."
What you can do: Greet him warmly after work. Be patient when he's stressed. Offer small gestures like making his favorite coffee or checking in when he isn't feeling well. Encourage him gently through challenges, and show genuine interest in his work and concerns.
Many husbands feel most rejected and distant from their wives when their bids for affection are turned down. Most husbands deeply value feeling not only loved, but desired.
What you may hear if your husband is asking for more affection: "I would really like it if you sometimes initiated." "I miss feeling close to you." "I want to feel like you're still attracted to me."
What you can do: Give him a sincere compliment about his appearance. Initiate holding hands or kissing. Surprise him with an activity he enjoys. Send a romantic text during the day about how much you're looking forward to seeing him.
Husbands want to feel secure in their marriage, and they want to know their wives believe in them, support them and protect the relationship. They want to know their wives are fully committed to them and to what they're building together.
What you may hear if your husband is asking for more trust and loyalty: "I want to know that you believe in me." "I don't like being compared to other husbands." "I want us to protect our marriage even when we're going through a hard time."
What you can do: Give him the benefit of the doubt before jumping to conclusions. Be dependable, and follow through on even small commitments. Skip comparisons that make him feel like he isn't good enough. Keep private conversations within the marriage.
Most husbands want their wives to be not just their spouse, but their closest friend. When work, errands and the busyness of daily life take over, many husbands miss simply enjoying being together.
What you may hear if your husband is asking for more enjoyment and friendship: "I miss having fun together." "I feel like we only talk about schedules and responsibilities." "I miss being your best friend."
What you can do: Laugh together over a favorite comedy or funny stories. Try a new place or a new hobby together. Celebrate small wins together. Bring back the playfulness with inside jokes or a thoughtful surprise.
Marriage isn't only a sacred commitment -- it's also a joyful adventure when both spouses embark on it as a team. As King Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes, "Enjoy life with the wife whom you love." Understanding what your husband wants can help you begin that journey today.
Click here to read: Six Things Women Really Want from Their Husbands
