Marriage is the joining of two people in a bond meant to last a lifetime. Unfortunately, as evidenced by the rising divorce rates, this is not always how it goes. Marriages can fall apart for many reasons, and it is usually the fault of both people involved. However, by trying to be a better husband, you can possibly save a marriage heading down a rocky road, or improve an already strong relationship.
The first way to be a better husband is to rekindle the romance. This is not as difficult as it may sound. Start small, especially if it’s been a while. Bring home some flowers, and hold doors open for your wife. Show her through little things that you love and admire her. Hold hands again, and cuddle on the couch while watching a movie. If you can afford gifts to show your affection, that’s fine, but most women would prefer that their husbands spend more time than money on them.
Learning to spend more time together is important when trying to be a better husband. Make time for each other, a few hours every week, at the very least. If you can carve out even a half hour of time a day, just for the two of you, that is even better. Schedule regular date nights, without the kids. In addition, take an active interest in your wife’s hobbies. If she loves to cook, sign yourselves up for some cooking classes. Spending time together doing something that she really enjoys can make your marriage stronger.
Take the time to talk things out, since communication is essential to a great marriage. To be a better husband, you must be willing to listen. This is especially important when there is an argument. Learn to fight fair, and listen to each other's concerns. If communication is difficult for you and your wife, consider marriage counseling, as a counselor can help you both learn to better relate to each other. Listening in a non-judgmental way, and learning to phrase complaints in a loving way, can solve a lot of the problems that most marriages face.
There are many ways to be a better husband. The best way is to remember why you fell in love in the first place. At the beginning of your relationship, you were each other's best friend, and considerate of each other’s feelings and opinions. As a marriage goes on, it is easy to lose sight of this. As you try to become a better husband, there is a very good possibility that your wife will respond to your efforts and become a better wife.