When you have lots of young children in your home, it’s easy for them to absorb all of your attention. Even though you don’t mean it to come off this way, any attention left over for your husband can easily feel like an absence of love.
Six Ways to Show Him You Care
Every guy is unique, which means every husband may respond differently to various expressions of care and affection. But if you’re looking for some inspiration, here are a few suggestions you might consider for your special man.
1. Show Interest in His Hobbies
Men tend to be hobbyists. They bond with other men around activities and like to use their hands. You certainly don’t want to infringe upon your husband’s hobbies, but you could show a little interest.
For example, let’s say your husband loves to collect and smoke cigars. You don’t necessarily have to smoke them with him, but learning the lingo and lifestyle can prepare you to have meaningful conversations with him about the things he loves.
2. Cook His Favorite Meal
If you have young children, most of your cooking is probably tailored towards their likes and dislikes. If a child shows an interest in something, you cook a lot of it. If a little boy or girl can’t stand something, you tend to avoid making it in the future.
In sum, you and your husband probably make your preferences secondary to those of your kids. But if you want to show your husband you’re thinking about him, why not cook his favorite meal from time to time? Who knows, you might even find that the kids like it.
3. Plan a Date
It’s the 21st century: Stop acting like the guy has to plan every date. If you’re complaining about not getting enough quality time with your husband, why not take the initiative and plan one yourself?
Your husband will love having some of the pressure taken off him, and he’ll be able to relax knowing that you’re enjoying yourself.
4. Ask for His Advice
You’re likely a fairly independent woman. Given all your personal and parenting duties, you have to make hundreds of decisions every day.
But there will always be a few things you’ll need help with. Instead of calling your mom or texting your closest girlfriend, ask your husband for advice. Whether it’s a big or small item, he will relish the fact that you care enough about his input to ask for it.
5. Take Something Off His Plate
Your husband has a long list of responsibilities. Whether he complains about it or not, he feels a constant pressure to provide and perform. One of the most loving things you can do is to take something off his plate and own it.
Possible options might include paying the bills at the beginning of the month, mowing the lawn, taking his clothes to the dry cleaner, or any number of other activities and responsibilities. Not only does this remove a burden from his shoulders, but it shows you care.
6. Put Him First
As mothers, we often put our kids first. In fact, this is an inherent responsibility we take on when we choose to parent.
Unfortunately, our loyalty to our kids can be perceived as disloyalty toward our husbands. If you want to show your husband that you care for him, you should occasionally put him first.
In practical terms, this might look like staying home to watch a movie and enjoy a glass of wine with your husband on a Friday evening, rather than carpooling your kids around town so they can have a fun night out with friends.
Sure, your kids might be disappointed for a few hours, but your husband will notice that you prioritized time with him.
Yes, Your Husband Has Needs Too!
Though a few men wear their emotions on their sleeve, most keep them close to the vest. As a generalization, men aren’t as outwardly emotional as women tend to be.
As a result, it’s easy for us to assume that the men in our lives don’t need love and affection. But be wary of jumping to this conclusion. You do need to show appreciation to your spouse.
Your husband has feelings — even if he doesn’t shown them outwardly — and he needs to be regularly reassured that you love and care for him. Don’t take this for granted!
