My husband, Paul and I have been married for three years. And we keep finding, learning and trying ways to go from good, better to best. At the commencement of a new year, many of us reevaluate and readjust our lifestyles to be better versions of ourselves; we do the same for marriage.
For the past few weeks, I’ve thought about actions I can take to increase my great wife status! Here are my 2017 marriage resolutions:
SPIRITUALITY
I’ll start with the most important element of our marriage. Paul and I both have relationships with God and read His word habitually. What needs adjusting this year is finding and dedicating time where we pray and study the Bible together. Matthew 18:20 says where two more are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
Marriage is not easy, which is why Paul and I constantly work to problem solve and improve our relationship. We can only succeed and be a good example of marriage for others if we collaboratively keep God at the forefront.
GRATITUDE
There are so many things my husband does because he’s an all-around good guy. And there are some things he does because it’s essential for our marriage and to maintain our household. I’ll be the first to admit, I’m pretty demanding. I also like to think I’m polite. So when my hubby does something I ask, like pouring a glass of wine, I say thank you — not a huge deal, I know.
But here’s the resolution: whatever the task or gesture, whether I ask or it happens organically, I’ve vowed to show gratitude. Saying thank you for things I notice are done around the house or that he’s always done in our marriage, like pick up the tab at dinner, is such a small gesture, but has the ability to play a big role in making your spouse feel appreciated.
ASK, DON’T TELL
As I mentioned, I’m slightly demanding. When there’s a need, I tell my husband with the expectation he’ll make it happen. But he just may be more willing or even interested in doing some of those things, (like seeing the movie only I want to see), if I asked versus saying something to the effect of “Bae, the film starts at 6p let’s leave soon.”
HIS NEEDS, HER NEEDS
I asked (see what I did there?) Paul to chime in on his marital resolutions and here’s what he had to say:
My continuous goal is to be a better husband, but specifically for this year, I want to be proactive. Your love language is “acts of service.” So, I’m working on being proactive and speaking your language while at the same time meeting your various needs before you have to ask.
So, there you have it. These are things the Mister and I are working on for our next year of marriage. Whatever you’re doing in 2017 to become a better version of yourself, Paul and I wish you all the best!
