Posted on: September 5, 2012

4 Tips to Become a Better Spouse

4 tips to become a better spouse_thumb

 

Is your happiness at home reflected in your work?  According to Mike Mularkey, the new head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars, “…the happier you are with your [spouse], the happier you are on the field.”

So, here are some tips for becoming a better spouse:

1. Do a random act of kindness daily:  Brighten your spouse’s day with little moments of joy.  Do the dishes for your spouse.  Give your spouse your undivided attention when they get home.  A little gesture goes a long way. . .

2. Know your spouse:  Ask them about their favorite music?  Find out where they would like to go on their dream vacation?  Recapture that first date magic by asking questions – just because you want to know them better!

3. Be creative:  Think of unique ways to let your spouse know you love them – and that you still notice them.  In the process, you may find that you are falling in love with them all over again.

  • Slip a card or love note into your wife’s purse or your husband’s wallet.
  • Celebrate the little things such as the anniversary of your first date or first kiss.
  • Text an “I love you”, “You are so beautiful,” “You are the most handsome man in the world,” or “I can’t wait until you get home!”
  • Plan a surprise (and unique) date night such as mini-golf, roller-skating, or cyber-bowling.  Be kids again!


4. Think positive:
  Do you speak sarcastically to your spouse?  Do you fight more often than before?  Focus on laughing more than fighting.  Speak words of encouragement instead of words of sarcasm.  Your relationship is a safe haven in a cold, harsh world – treasure it!

Do you believe that your happiness at home affects your success in the workplace?  Please share your thoughts with me.

  • http://www.facebook.com/UBAwesome Richard Norris

    Sound advice I applaud and apply. I agree with Coach Mularkey – what he describes is what I call holistic self-leadership.

  • http://AandBCounseling.com Don Ibbitson

    Good stuff. Giving marriage counseling.. hmm.. wonder if he’s open to a football play I have in mind?

  • http://twitter.com/SRKirkpatrick Steve Kirkpatrick

    I love this: “Your relationship is a safe haven in a cold, harsh world – treasure it!”

  • http://www.charleshutchinson.com/ Charles Hutchinson

    My wife commented last night that I am always encouraging her. There is a slightly selfish motivation here… I need her to encourage me, so I encourage her. 

  • FlowerChildBoomer

    It really is the little things in life that make us happy.  :)

  • Dynanight

    Makes perfect sense… Now to put in motion!!!

  • Gino_joscey

    Amen to this! Happiness at home totally affects our success in the work place. If I’m going through a hard time with my marriage my day at work seems to be a drag and my focus is off.

  • Joanne Davis 90.9 the Vine

    Score….we’ve done all four today!!!!!!!  …even talked about favorite music.

  • Bergsangel

    Absolutely. When something so important to your being is going poorly, everything else follows.

  • http://www.FamilyMinute.com/ Mark Merrill

    Thanks for commenting.

  • LA

    I believe that laughter is key!  Make each other laugh.  Be silly with each other.  I love to hear my wife laugh………..makes me happy!

  • http://www.FamilyMinute.com/ Mark Merrill

    Joeanne, impressive!

  • http://www.FamilyMinute.com/ Mark Merrill

    Dynanight…it’s definitely easier said than done.

  • http://www.FamilyMinute.com/ Mark Merrill

    Steve, good one.

  • http://www.FamilyMinute.com/ Mark Merrill

    Hey Richard, thanks always for your insight.

  • kidperson30

    I do these four steps constantly… I would love to hear a tiny bit of encouragement back. It definitely tires me for my work day, especially if the lack of encouragement is replaced with negativity.

  • http://www.facebook.com/cheryl.schenck.79 Cheryl Schenck

    At our elementary school where I teach, our motto this year is, “Change your words, change your world”. We try to live it, teach it, and have signs and posters, students’ displays around the school. it is powerful…the effect WORDS have.