How to Stay on the Volunteer Fire Department & Make Your Wife Happy at the Same Time

Thoughtful gestures will get you on the road to marital bliss.

Any marriage takes work, but this holds especially true for a marriage that includes a challenging job with random hours. If you are on the volunteer fire department, that means that in addition to your regular job, you are expected to drop everything during your free hours to rush to the site of the fire. Understandably, this can make your wife upset, especially if it causes you to constantly miss plans and let her down. Making her happy will take work, but can be achieved through time, effort, and thought.

Instructions

1. Shower your wife with attention when you are around. Rabbi Aryeh Pamensky, noted lecturer, counselor, and founder of the Pamensky Relationship Institute, suggests on his website that a woman needs constant love and attention to be happy. Use the little time you are around to show her this love and attention.

2. Call her if your plans change. It is understandable if a fire emergency comes up and you have to reschedule a date with your wife or be late for dinner, but take the time to let her know. This will show her you care about her feelings and will prevent needless worrying.

3. Show her that you take your marriage seriously. Demonstrate this by telling her how important your marriage is to you, arranging days or weekends off from the fire squad and getting friends to cover for you on important days like birthdays and anniversaries.

4. Thank her for supporting your decision to remain on the volunteer squad. Showing gratitude will acknowledge that you know this is hard for her and show her that you appreciate the fact that she supports you doing it.

5. Remain consistent in your passions. If you claim that you need to be in the fire department because you feel strongly about helping people, don't switch to a new hobby after six months. Show your wife that you only take time away from her for things that are very important to you.

6. Keep up your other responsibilities. Don't allow your volunteer job to overshadow your real job and don't use it as an excuse to slack off on bills, household chores, family time, or other important obligations.

References

• Happy Wife: Solutions
• Hitched Mag: 14 Ways to Keep Your Wife Happy