How to be a Respectful Husband

In our society today we are constantly bombarded with ways to be disrespectful. Images online, on movies and on television portray a "normal" husband as one who could be sarcastic, rude or even adulterous. This short how-to can be used as a guide for husbands.

This isn't a "Be a Man" lecture, but something completely different. Hopefully it will better your relationship with your spouse and increase the happiness of your marriage.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Willingness
• A strong desire for a better marriage

1. Understanding.
   
   First you have to realize that men are creatures of habit. We also, as a collective group, tend to be very impressionable. We like to see ourselves as the strong protectors, the bread winners and the "man" of the house. Understanding that respect is a neutral commodity helps settle our urge to be "the man". Respecting your wife starts with respecting your marriage, and having the understanding that you are both equal.

2. Definition.
   
   Respect is not: always giving in, or, letting another person walk all over you. If fact, it is just the opposite. Respecting your wife, in true definition, means to honor her. Many guys I know have taken a vow that said "honor", and have no idea how to do that. They continually disrespect their wife and their marriage because they lack the knowledge to change.

3. Knowledge.
   
   While looking up respect, you may find that other words help identify what actions you should have toward your wife. Here are ones we will focus on:
   
   Consideration, Decency and Politeness.
   
   Whenever you come into the office and your boss isn't polite (I'm sure no-one will relate to that!) or doesn't have the decency to tell you something, or doesn't consider your talent, skills or previous obligations, we, as men, take great offense. Why then, when we come home from work do we pass that same attitude (lack of consideration, decency and politeness) onto our wives without a second thought? Respect must be given as we like it given to us.

4. Actions.
   
   Now that you know what respect is, you have to put it into action to become a more respectful husband. Each of the following steps outlines specific examples of what you can do to start being a more respectful husband.

5. Consideration.
   
   The big game is on. Your wife cleaned the house and made food for you and the guys to eat. Be considerate. She doesn't have to be talked down to or ordered around during the game. Put yourself in her shoes, and show appreciation for what she is doing. After the game is over and everyone is gone, encourage her to have her friends over and return the favor.

6. Decency.
   
   You know your wife, and most of you know where the line is. Don't cross that line. Decency toward another is showing that human side of yourself. You have to be caring enough to let your wife know when something is bothering you, or when something is going just like it was planned. Decency is quality communication.

7. Politeness.
   
   Politeness in today's world is taken for granted. Try saying "I love you" to end a phone call, or "This food is fantastic." at the dinner table. Showering your wife with politeness will not only make her feel respected and appreciated, but she will actually respect you more.

8. Being a respectful husband is going against the grain in today's society. Respecting your wife will not only alleviate some of your arguements, but it will increase your happiness in marriage exponentially.

Tips & Warnings

• Start small and build on your accomplishments. Married couples tend to disagree, but with the right amount of decency and consideration, you will find that your communication between you will be outstanding.
• You will find that being respectful is contagious. Your kids will start being respectful to one another, and your wife will start to be respectful to you.
• You WILL fall. You WILL screw something up. You will yell, or fight. But you respect each other enough not to hurt one another. As long as you can identify what went wrong and have the courage to pick yourself back up you will be respectful husband.

[fistoffury]

on 7/21/2009 make your wives happy men!!!

[fistoffury]

on 7/21/2009 make your wives happy men!

[fistoffury]

on 7/21/2009 make your wives happy men!

[iamageniuster]

on 10/23/2008 Great advice. Thanks for the article. 5 stars!

[Pixie1976]

on 9/6/2008 WOW!