Do you actually show appreciation to your husband?
Let’s be real here.
If you’re a stay at home mom with kids running around, a never-ending chore list that keeps repeating itself each week, a side hustle that brings in some extra income, and a hard-working husband who just needs some guiltless time to relax each day, welcome to my home.
My husband and I absolutely love our children! We often talk about how God has been using them to sanctify our lives. We can’t imagine how we’d be a better couple, or better individuals, without them!
But we’re exhausted! And I’ve come to notice how much work my husband really puts in to helping me with the children and other household responsibilities.
I couldn’t do this without him.
Our love for each other has grown even sweeter since having children, but I want it to grow even more.
Through much prayer and insight from other couples, we have really learned, many ways to be creative and intentional with the little time we have together each day.
Don’t let the excuse of daily responsibility, a career, or children get in the way of having an abundant marriage you can have RIGHT NOW!
Consider starting today by implementing some simple ways of showing your love and appreciation toward your husband. Even if he doesn’t reciprocate the gesture, know that what you are doing honors the Lord and blesses your husband whether he realizes it or not.
With that said, here is a one-week mock schedule to get you in the habit of doing thoughtful things for your husband each day to show your appreciation.
Sunday – Write a note
My husband is the Associate Pastor at our church and leaves the house long before the kids and I do on Sunday mornings for church. What I like to do is periodically write him a sweet note the night before and place it on his steering wheel for him to see when he leaves. Sunday’s are busy days for us and we don’t get much time together. This is a great way to tell him we’re in this marriage and parenting thing together even when we’re apart.
But this can be done any day!
My previous boss’s wife used to pack his lunch and include a simple post-it note every single day with kind, encouraging words. Keeping a stack of sticky notes close by can eliminate the stress or pressure of constructing a short story for your husband to read.
Besides, men appreciate simple. So keep it short.
Monday – Early morning coffee.
If your husband’s like mine, then you know that getting up earlier than he does can be challenging. Right now, getting up before the family is difficult since I’m already up multiple times in the night with our infant.
To get up before my husband would take an act of God! But it would communicate my love for him if I did it for his benefit. Giving him some extra time to wake up and read before walking into his daily responsibilities is a great way to show appreciation.
If your husband has a routine of drinking some hot coffee or tea first thing, consider preparing it for him and having it ready when he wakes up. Just be sure you know exactly how he likes it!
Tuesday – Foot Massage
Let’s be honest.
Us ladies could REALLY use a foot massage.
But without talking about your needs, grab some lotion and get your hands dirty. Tell your husband that you appreciate him going to work every day to provide for the family.
If he asks to return the favor when you’re finished, you have the opportunity for a foot massage (score!)
OR!
Smile and politely refuse because your goal was to help him to relax; not to give him more work. It’s up to you!
Wednesday – Clean your room
As if you haven’t been cleaning up after your family all week long, think about the amount of time you spend creating a welcoming environment in a space that is designated specifically for the two of you.
Clear the floors of any toys, clothes, and clutter, make the bed, and light a candle.
It’s that simple.
Not only does this invite your husband to truly rest when he gets home, it provides clarity of mind in order to make room for deep conversation and less distraction.
Thursday – Special Treat!
There’s nothing like biting into your favorite chocolate bar after not having one for weeks…or even months!
If you know of a treat or beverage your husband really enjoys, show appreciation to him by picking it up on your next grocery run. Surprise him with it before he leaves for work.
I made Mexican horchata one afternoon for my husband before he got home, and he was shocked! He LOVES horchata and he never expected me to take a whirl at making it myself. I knew he hadn’t had it in a while, so he really appreciated the thoughtfulness.
If you’re unsure of what your husband likes, just ask him! But then follow through with actually remembering and taking action.
Friday – Play a game with him!
Whether your husband enjoys playing video games, card games, or board games, examine the amount of energy you have at the end of the day and pick something out he will enjoy.
Remember, this is about him. Not you.
If you have children, make sure they are asleep in bed before organizing some carved out time for you and your husband to play and chat.
Below is a link to Bananagrams as a suggested game my husband and I enjoy playing.
If you have some mental energy and want to engage in some dungeon adventure, consider the game Munchkin! This is one of my husband’s favorites and he always appreciates when I pull it out.
But if you’re up for something fun, pull out the game controllers and challenge your husband to some Mario Kart! He’ll be pleasantly surprised and probably extremely attracted to you for making this gesture.
Saturday – Take out the garbage
Or any household chore your husband normally does.
Instead of expecting him to go about his normal routine of cutting the grass, washing the dishes after a meal, or taking out the garbage, do it before he has the chance. And he if says anything, tell him you appreciate his faithfulness to do that task on a regular basis.
Now if he doesn’t offer a “thank-you,” that’s okay! Do you because you love him. Not because you need affirmation.
I hope this schedule gives you some ideas on how to show your appreciation and love towards your husband! This list is not exhaustive. Start small and really pay attention to what makes your husband feel loved and respected.
So don’t stop after one week. Keep going!
Keep an ongoing list and implement simple ways to bless him on a regular basis.
Comment below on some more ideas you have. I’d love some more inspiration on how to show appreciation to my husband!
