Men, it’s been another great year for enjoying the couch, eating nachos and watching some awesome football. But now that the NFL season is officially over, maybe there really is something more to life. Maybe, just maybe, there is enough energy and fire left in us to kickoff a new season… a season that could bring us incredible victory in our marriages and homes… the Season of Love.
If you suit up for the Season of Love, and give your wife what she needs, you’ll be more likely to win in your relationship. That means less arguing, less nagging and better odds that when the next big sporting event rolls around, you’ll get full control of your time and the remote.
In my work with Family First, a national non-profit organization dedicated to building strong families, I recently heard from women who are ready to have their men back. What do they want? They want more attention, more help around the house, and more help with the kids.
So men of all ages, here’s your game plan. See how many of these 10 things you can do, and become a champion in the Season of Love.
1. Kick-off
Thank your wife for letting you become one with your recliner during football season.
2. Huddle Up
Tell her that you’re ready to do something for her. If she responds with ideas of her own, take the field, start the clock, and put her play into action. If she doesn’t, consider the plays below.
3. Time Out
She gets the day off. You get up with the kids Saturday morning and take care of breakfast and lunch. If she wants to hang out at home, go somewhere with the kids. If she wants to head out to be with friends, go to a movie, or go shopping, send her on her way. Rejuvenating her will rejuvenate your relationship.
4. Get Physical
Put those muscles to work. Clean out the garage. Pressure wash the driveway. Paint the kitchen. Do the things that she wants done, but can’t do herself. If you’re not sure what’s on the top of her “honey-do” list – ask.
5. Delay of Game
Snuggle in bed before you go to sleep without expecting anything in return. If she initiates play, proceed; if she doesn’t, accept that the play clock has run down.
6. Halftime Talk
Cuddle up on the couch and ask questions like, “How do you feel about your job?” “What can I do to help more with the kids?” “What’s the biggest thing you need from me right now?” Then just listen.
7. Run a Reverse
You do her jobs. If she’s the one who always cleans the kitchen, you do it. If cleaning the bathroom is her job, you grab the bleach and get started. No one likes doing laundry. Wash, dry and fold a few loads to score big points.
8. In the Red Zone
Go all out on offense. Bring back the fairy tale element to your relationship. Ask her on a date and plan something you know she’ll enjoy. Buy her flowers. Open the car door for her.
9. Unsportsmanlike Conduct
If you sign up for the Season of Love, attitude matters. Just doing stuff for your wife will result in penalties if you do it with a chip on your shoulder.
10. Hail Mary
Pop some popcorn and watch Olympic figure skating with your wife. Enough said.
Just like in sports, winning in marriage requires dedication, commitment and sacrifice. Take the challenge and man up for the Season of Love.
