How to Have a Happy Wife

Happy Wife, Happy Life

There's an old saying: "Happy Wife, Happy Life"-and there's research to indicate that the saying is true. However, there's also research indicating that when choosing a long-term partner, you'll inevitably be choosing a particular set of unsolvable problems that you'll be grappling with for the next 10, 20 or 50 years. That's the bad news. The good news is that according to research, there are things that you can do to assure happiness even while sorting through problems. Here are seven ways to make life happy by doing what you can to make your wife happy.

Things You'll Need

• Willingness to try a new approach

Instructions

1. Keep your Emotional Connection Strong.
   The key ingredient to marital bliss is emotional commitment. That means marriage is happier when you focus some of your attention on your sweetheart's needs. For example, when she asks, "Honey, do you love me?"-don't answer, "I married you, didn't I?" Give her a warm embrace and tell her, "Yes, I love you." Women want emotional, physical, intellectual and spiritual connection with their husbands. If she feels emotionally close to you, your days will be easier.

2. Be Open and Vulnerable.
   The job description for being a good husband has changed from the previous generation. It's no longer enough to be a good provider. Men and women who have a strong emotional connection communicate about their inner lives. They talk things over. They understand each other's moods. They're able to ask each other specifically for what they need. They are loving, caring and able to laugh together. Being vulnerable and open is the only way to build an emotional connection.

3. Show Interest.
   To have a happy relationship you have to make a big effort. A good relationship is work. You can't ignore your wife and expect her to be happy. Learn what makes her happy. Try asking this question: "Honey, what do you need from me?" Then give that to her. If there's something you need from your wife, tell her specifically. For example, "Honey, would you be willing to......?" Then make it worth her while to give it to you.

4. Be a Good Provider.
   Both men and women have a lot to do to keep a marriage happy. Not only do men need to keep the emotional connection strong, but according to a University of Virginia sociologist, they also have to be good providers. New research determined that women whose husbands bring home more than 68 percent of the bacon are the most content.

5. Contribute Around the House.
   Women whose husbands do a fair share of the household chores consider themselves happy wives. Fair does not mean splitting housework evenly-most of the women in this happier category perform the majority of household chores themselves-but because they believe that their husbands are playing an important role as providers, they view the unequal work split as fair. Ask your wife what chore she'd like you to do and follow through.

6. Go with the Flow.
   Being involved in a project or an activity as a couple puts you in the happy state of flow. Flow is a blissful state that comes during a creative or playful activity. Athletes, musicians, writers know the feeling. It comes when you get lost in what you're doing. Couples who partake in the flow-whether it's sports or music or a project around the house-feel closer and understand each other better. Work together, play together, pull together and you'll be moving to a happier tune.

7. Pursue Happiness.
   Hug your wife and tell her how happy she makes you. Acknowledge the contribution she's made to your day. List out loud the things you are grateful for. Ask her to do the same. Practice random acts of kindness; forgive her and ask for her forgiveness; notice life's small pleasures; take care of your health; practice positive thinking and invest time and energy into friendships and family. Encourage her friendships and cultivate your own. Make friends with other couples. Keep your negative thoughts in check. Make contentment your goal.