How to Make Your Hubby Smile

Light up your husband's life with your thoughtful behavior.

In a committed and loving marriage, your main goal is to see your spouse happy. If your husband is happy, then it makes you feel good about yourself too. Marriages are a give-and-take situation. Do what you can to nurture and care for your union by going out of your way to make your husband smile as often as you can.

Instructions

1. Give him your undivided attention. Marriages often suffer due to the distractions of daily life. Sometimes, your husband may just feel ignored. Perhaps you're preoccupied with planning a friend's surprise birthday party. Maybe work is really getting to you. Get your husband to light up by reminding him of how important he is. Take note of your husband's feelings and emotions. If he seems excited to talk to you about his brand new golf club, listen to him speak -- with enthusiasm and genuine interest. Show sensitivity for the things that really matter for him.

2. Focus on the little things. You don't have to move mountains to make your husband smile. Sometimes life is all about the subtleties. When you're walking out in public together, give him a small and quick peck on the cheek. Mouth "I love you" to him from across the dinner table when no one else is looking. Get his favorite food at the grocery store on the way back from work. Send your husband small reminders that he means the world to you.

3. Praise him. Getting genuine compliments feels good. It also feels good to give them. Make your husband smile by offering some specific praise. If he makes you laugh harder than anyone else, compliment his razor-sharp comedic senses. If you can get lost in his aquamarine eyes for hours, tell him that he has the most gorgeous peepers you have ever seen. If he takes pride in his fishing skills, ask him if he can teach you a thing or two.

4. Compose him a love letter. Don't use a busy lifestyle as an excuse to not be romantic with your husband. Take the time to pen your husband a heartfelt, meaningful and detailed letter, pouring all of your feelings out. Hark back to the days of your courtship and show your husband that you still feel just as excited about the relationship as ever.

5. Allow him freedom. In a healthy marriage, both spouses have independent lives, with their own hobbies, social circles and careers. Encourage your husband to have his own life, and expect the same in return.

6. Show him your love. Affection and physical intimacy are major components of a successful marriage. Take time to express your love toward your husband, whether through a small hug after he returns home from work or maintaining healthy and consistent physical intimacy. Relationships suffer due to lack of intimacy. Avoid neglecting your husband -- and your marriage -- by making a point to express your love regularly.

Tips & Warnings

• Make your husband smile by taking care of yourself, from eating healthily and working out to dressing neatly and proper grooming. Show him that he is worth the effort. He should do the same for you as well.

References

• "Psychology Today"; Four Ways to Make Your Relationship Sing; Terri Orbuch; February 2010
• Hitched Mag; 13 Ways to Keep Your Husband Happy; Diane Gottsman
• MSN Relationships; 5 Easy (and Free) Ways to Make Men Smile; Ryan Dodge
• Psych Central; The 10 Secrets of Happy Couples; Maud Purcell