Husband Appreciation Day is April 21st!
Husbands are a curious sort, aren’t they? We love them bunches and they love us but there is no doubt that they are DIFFERENT! They don’t sit around and “communicate” each other to death like we do. They see a problem and they fix it. They don’t always process and answer as quickly as we do either, they think about it awhile often leaving us tapping our foot! And they don’t always feel the need of immediacy like we do either; they can do it when they get to it, unlike us moms who want things done NOW. Even if your husband does not fit this exact bill, you likely can think of ways that he is much different than you. Sometimes we can overlook the greatness in our husbands by focusing on these differences instead of appreciating him for all that he is.
In this crazy current world, an uncertain economic future may have cast a deeper fear into the hearts of our men. It's harder than ever just to get the light bill paid. So how do we show them our appreciation for all they do? Dare I say it? Do we nag? Ask for more of their time, their efforts? Are we demanding, controlling? Are we focused on OUR needs instead of HIS? Do we show him ANY appreciation at all? If wives and husbands would fully concentrate on meeting the needs of their spouses instead of their own, then both sets of needs would be better fulfilled. Husbands and wives would each be more content and marriages would improve. The problem is that we have to get the focus off of ourselves and on to him. (Yes, he needs to do the same but we are talking about what we need to do today, not him.)
This is not about who is right or wrong, who does more or less or who is to blame for this or that. This is about appreciating your husband and all the glory that is him! Think about these ideas and implement a few. I promise that you will see a change for the positive. It’s husband appreciation Day on April 21st, let’s show a little.
1. Respect him. Men need respect like fish need water. Men deserve respect and when they are respected, they can become the men we want them to be. Build up your husband at home AND in public. Look to him and listen to him and try his way of doing things. Show him respect in how you communicate with him. Cut the sarcasm and belittling. He doesn’t like it. Don’t let the kids be disrespectful either, including extended family. There is untapped wisdom in your husband. Respect him.
2. Appreciate his efforts. This is not an easy world to provide for a family in. His efforts are huge and if you have to help, then help without complaint. Be sure to note his efforts around the house and at work and thank him, no matter how small you think it is. Let go of little things that bug you. You have bad habits too. Being appreciated just a little pushes us all to give a lot more. Find and specifically thank him for the ways he makes an effort.
3. Make an effort with yourself, the house and the kids. It may seem old fashioned and this is not meant to cause any ruffled feathers but, remember when you made an effort before you were married? I know that kids and life’s struggles can get the best of us sometimes but don’t let it get the best of your marriage. Tidy up the house, the kids and yourself. Remember that men are visual, so changing it up now and then isn’t a bad thing! Don’t hang me out to dry here- men appreciate the effort we make with ourselves and size is not what matters to him. It is your effort that makes them feel appreciated. Brush your teeth and comb your hair, flirt with him a little! He loves you, show him that you love him too. He is meant for more than taking out the trash!
4. Try something he likes. You want dinner out and a walk on the beach. He wants to go fly fishing or to a car show. If you show interest in what he is interested in, it shows you care and will make you both closer. Get interested in what he is interested and you’ll be surprised at the reciprocation. Besides, you might actually LIKE it.
5. Protect your love. You’ve heard the saying that “ the grass is not greener on the other side, the grass is greener where you water it”, right? Well that could not be a truer statement! Take the time to find out where your husband needs nurturing and work on it. You know all the areas there are to tend, so don’t neglect them. Protect your love by feeding and watering your marriage! Weed out the bad and you'll raise up a strong marriage.
There are countless other ideas to help you show appreciation for your special guy! Remember that time does not erase the needs of anyone. WORK to appreciate your hubs and show him that you do. You’ll be glad you did and so will he!
