In the midst of missing my hubby, I found this wonderful list on pinterest.
It's too good not to share.
I also made a printable version on google docs for those of you who would like to have a copy.
Just click here.
50 Ways to Show Your Husband You Love Him
CHOOSE TO ACT NOT RE-ACT. Isn't it so natural and easy to react to others - to become offended when someone is offensive?! To reflect shortness to someone's being short or irritable? You cannot ever change others, but you have the power to choose how you act and love. Experiment with showing more love in the moment rather than just merely mirroring how they treat you - this is one of the hardest things for us humans to do.
MIRROR & TOILET MESSAGES. Write a little love note on your bathroom mirror with lipstick or a dry erase marker. Or if you really feel like being crazy and doing something totally-out-of-the-ordinary, write on toilet paper with a permanent marker and lay out message on top of the toilet water.
SAY YOU'RE SORRY, before he does. I love the quote by Ruth Bell Graham: "A happy marriage is the union of two good forgivers."
TELL YOUR CHILDREN WHAT YOU LOVE ABOUT THEIR DAD. A lot.
DROP EVERYTHING. Try putting aside your eternal to-do lists just for a moment, and give your husband your sincere, undivided attention.
INITIATE. Researchers report that "Marital Intimacy" is the #1 need of Men in marriage - or the #1 way that they feel loved. So make it fun, try new things, initiate! The key for women to be in the right mindset is to feel beautiful... and not tired.
TEXT HIM Surprise him with a spontaneous, flirty text or a sentence about why you are so grateful for him. Finding your own ways to connect during the day makes a difference.
START A HOBBY TOGETHER. Write a “bucket list” of fun things you want to do together. Find something you both would enjoy!
PLAN A DATE NIGHT even it is in your own home when the kiddos are asleep. It’s so important to have that time to fall in love all over again - just the two of you. We usually keep it super simple, but it really does make a huge difference.
START A “LOVE JOURNAL” where you can write letters to each other, paste in notes you’ve both written, special memories, and such.
KEEP YOURSELF ATTRACTIVE Whether it's throwing on some makeup, or finding some cute clothes that are actually clean, or getting your hair done - it doesn't always happen but it does wonders for how we feel about ourselves.
BREAKFAST IN BED make heart-shaped pancakes.
FLIRT WITH HIM It's funny how we totally flirt while dating, but once we're married we can easily forget to be FUN! Just because you've snagged him, don't stop flirting. Try to bring it back.
DON'T TRY TO BE HIS MOM Remember you are his wife, not his mother. Don't jump him every time he does something differently than you’d like. Remember, YOU ARE EQUALS.
LAUGH AT HIS QUIRKS When living with someone it's natural for the "little things" to get on both of your nerves. Sometimes those very quirks can be endearing or even laughable and others require patience.
WRITE A FUN "LOVE NOTE". "Top 10 Things I Love about My Husband" Or, just leave a note somewhere where he'll find it.
GIVE HIM A MASSAGE. I bet he would love a spontaneous head rub or go all out and give him a back rub with lotion.
GRAB A KISS WHILE YOU WAIT Kiss your husband while you're waiting at the stoplight or in the food drive-through.
BE AWARE OF EXITS & ENTRANCES As you and your husband say goodbyes and reunite again after a long day, be aware of how you show love during these important cross roads.
TALK ABOUT HIS INTERESTS Bring up a subject that interests him and listen to him talk. Even if the subject doesn't interest you, enjoy watching him as he gets stirred up over the topic.
SLOW DANCE in the kitchen when the kids go to bed...Actually, maybe dance in front of your kids!
VERBALLY SHOW APPRECIATION IN FRONT OF HIS FAMILY. When with his family, for example, share sincere appreciation for what your husband does or who he is.
SURPRISE GIFT. Surprise him with a fun gift of some kind that he’d really enjoy.
CALM DOWN FIRST, THEN TALK. When you are in a moment of frustration, try taking some deep breathes, perhaps hold your tongue momentarily, and discuss it as soon as you feel more able to talk kindly. It's easy for humans to say hurtful, non-helpful things if they just react instantly in a heated moment.
FIND SOME SANITY AT HOME. The environment of your home affects EVERYONE, especially you and you ability to focus more on relationships.
ENCOURAGE HIS HOBBIES, even if you’re perhaps not fond of some. Encourage him, even help make it happen!
EAT BY CANDLELIGHT.
TAKE A HIKE OR WALK TOGETHER. It's hard to hold hands while pushing a stroller, but at least you can talk!
EAT AN ICE CREAM CONE TOGETHER Buy one, large cone, and eat it together at the same time.
PRAY TOGETHER EACH NIGHT. Take turns each night expressing 1) why you're grateful for your spouse and 2) what you want to do to be more worthy of his/her love.
ENCOURAGE HIM TO BUY THAT TOY he's been wanting so badly. Better yet, put some of your own things off, save the money and buy it for him yourself!
MEND HIS CLOTHES One website suggested to surprise him but trying to "fix" some of his clothes. This may increase his wardrobe by 20%!
HAVE A WRESTLING MATCH This will get you both laughing, and it will remind you not to be so serious.
SEEK HIS ADVICE Ask for your husband's input and advice on anything from children to what he might like to eat. This will let him know he's needed and that his thoughts are important.
LOOK OUT FOR HIS HEALTH Encourage your husband to get plenty of sleep and exercise. Physical exercise seems to be a HUGE deal for many men and women to be able to face the challenges of each day. We happen to be P90X fans, but find whatever works for you!
MAKE HIM A COUPON BOOK Give him coupons to redeem—maybe for a back scratch or a shoulder rub or things that would mean much to him.
CUDDLE WHILE WATCHING A MOVIE. Maybe you could even pick out a movie you know he would really like and have a yummy treat!
DON'T BE A PESSIMIST Try not to focus too much on the negative. Try to have a positive outlook in your marriage and on life. There’s a difference between having real and honest talks (which is completely necessary) and just having a sour outlook on everything.
MAKE HIS FAVORITE TREAT
PLAY A GAME TOGETHER.
LOOK HIM IN THE EYES Look your husband straight in the eyes when he talks to you to show that he is your #1 at that moment.
DON'T PUSH THE BUDGET If you can't afford certain things, don't buy them. Try not to complain about your standard of living or whine about the things that you don't have.
HELP HIM SHAVE This is a fun way to be close and to get you both laughing.
LOVE YOURSELF Many times we as women hold back on our husbands because of our own insecurities. Learn to let it go. The things that we're so worried about, usually don't even bother him.
DEFEND HIM Don't let others disrespect your husband. Even just a snide comment can hurt. Stick up for the most important person in your life.
JUST GO TO BED! I don’t always believe in the adage to never go to bed angry. Our kids sure struggle when they are over tired, and so do we. In a moment of frustration when tired and cranky, sometimes just go to bed. You'll likely wake up in the morning with a renewed perspective!
PRAISE and SHOW APPRECIATION When your husband works hard, or does something for you, let him know you appreciate him! Interestingly, researchers have found that praise and admiration is actually on men’s top 5 needs in marriage.
DON'T COMPARE. Be careful not to compare your husband to others - your dad, brothers, or other men. They may be great, but remember your husband is too. Likewise we should avoid comparing ourselves to other wives and moms - which us women are SO guilty of.
ENCOURAGE MAN TIME. Enthusiastically support your husband in perhaps watching sports with other guys, playing sports, or having time to hang out with guys he is close to. Women really need other women, and that "man" time can be important for some husbands.
KEEP LEARNING AND BEING CURIOUS. It can take some real effort and creativity to expand your intellect while tending lots of littles (or whatever your situation may be), but it will make you a more beautiful and interesting wife and mother! Maybe listen to interesting podcasts as you attack the piles of dishes, always carry a good book with you, or quickly research one new topic especially if it’s something your husband would also find interesting!
CHOOSE TO ACT NOT RE-ACT. Isn't it so natural and easy to react to others - to become offended when someone is offensive?! To reflect shortness to someone's being short or irritable? You cannot ever change others, but you have the power to choose how you act and love. Experiment with showing more love in the moment rather than just merely mirroring how they treat you - this is one of the hardest things for us humans to do.
MIRROR & TOILET MESSAGES. Write a little love note on your bathroom mirror with lipstick or a dry erase marker. Or if you really feel like being crazy and doing something totally-out-of-the-ordinary, write on toilet paper with a permanent marker and lay out message on top of the toilet water.
SAY YOU'RE SORRY, before he does. I love the quote by Ruth Bell Graham: "A happy marriage is the union of two good forgivers."
TELL YOUR CHILDREN WHAT YOU LOVE ABOUT THEIR DAD. A lot.
DROP EVERYTHING. Try putting aside your eternal to-do lists just for a moment, and give your husband your sincere, undivided attention.
INITIATE. Researchers report that "Marital Intimacy" is the #1 need of Men in marriage - or the #1 way that they feel loved. So make it fun, try new things, initiate! The key for women to be in the right mindset is to feel beautiful... and not tired.
TEXT HIM Surprise him with a spontaneous, flirty text or a sentence about why you are so grateful for him. Finding your own ways to connect during the day makes a difference.
START A HOBBY TOGETHER. Write a “bucket list” of fun things you want to do together. Find something you both would enjoy!
PLAN A DATE NIGHT even it is in your own home when the kiddos are asleep. It’s so important to have that time to fall in love all over again - just the two of you. We usually keep it super simple, but it really does make a huge difference.
START A “LOVE JOURNAL” where you can write letters to each other, paste in notes you’ve both written, special memories, and such.
KEEP YOURSELF ATTRACTIVE Whether it's throwing on some makeup, or finding some cute clothes that are actually clean, or getting your hair done - it doesn't always happen but it does wonders for how we feel about ourselves.
BREAKFAST IN BED make heart-shaped pancakes.
FLIRT WITH HIM It's funny how we totally flirt while dating, but once we're married we can easily forget to be FUN! Just because you've snagged him, don't stop flirting. Try to bring it back.
DON'T TRY TO BE HIS MOM Remember you are his wife, not his mother. Don't jump him every time he does something differently than you’d like. Remember, YOU ARE EQUALS.
LAUGH AT HIS QUIRKS When living with someone it's natural for the "little things" to get on both of your nerves. Sometimes those very quirks can be endearing or even laughable and others require patience.
WRITE A FUN "LOVE NOTE". "Top 10 Things I Love about My Husband" Or, just leave a note somewhere where he'll find it.
GIVE HIM A MASSAGE. I bet he would love a spontaneous head rub or go all out and give him a back rub with lotion.
GRAB A KISS WHILE YOU WAIT Kiss your husband while you're waiting at the stoplight or in the food drive-through.
BE AWARE OF EXITS & ENTRANCES As you and your husband say goodbyes and reunite again after a long day, be aware of how you show love during these important cross roads.
TALK ABOUT HIS INTERESTS Bring up a subject that interests him and listen to him talk. Even if the subject doesn't interest you, enjoy watching him as he gets stirred up over the topic.
SLOW DANCE in the kitchen when the kids go to bed...Actually, maybe dance in front of your kids!
VERBALLY SHOW APPRECIATION IN FRONT OF HIS FAMILY. When with his family, for example, share sincere appreciation for what your husband does or who he is.
SURPRISE GIFT. Surprise him with a fun gift of some kind that he’d really enjoy.
CALM DOWN FIRST, THEN TALK. When you are in a moment of frustration, try taking some deep breathes, perhaps hold your tongue momentarily, and discuss it as soon as you feel more able to talk kindly. It's easy for humans to say hurtful, non-helpful things if they just react instantly in a heated moment.
FIND SOME SANITY AT HOME. The environment of your home affects EVERYONE, especially you and you ability to focus more on relationships.
ENCOURAGE HIS HOBBIES, even if you’re perhaps not fond of some. Encourage him, even help make it happen!
EAT BY CANDLELIGHT.
TAKE A HIKE OR WALK TOGETHER. It's hard to hold hands while pushing a stroller, but at least you can talk!
EAT AN ICE CREAM CONE TOGETHER Buy one, large cone, and eat it together at the same time.
PRAY TOGETHER EACH NIGHT. Take turns each night expressing 1) why you're grateful for your spouse and 2) what you want to do to be more worthy of his/her love.
ENCOURAGE HIM TO BUY THAT TOY he's been wanting so badly. Better yet, put some of your own things off, save the money and buy it for him yourself!
MEND HIS CLOTHES One website suggested to surprise him but trying to "fix" some of his clothes. This may increase his wardrobe by 20%!
HAVE A WRESTLING MATCH This will get you both laughing, and it will remind you not to be so serious.
SEEK HIS ADVICE Ask for your husband's input and advice on anything from children to what he might like to eat. This will let him know he's needed and that his thoughts are important.
LOOK OUT FOR HIS HEALTH Encourage your husband to get plenty of sleep and exercise. Physical exercise seems to be a HUGE deal for many men and women to be able to face the challenges of each day. We happen to be P90X fans, but find whatever works for you!
MAKE HIM A COUPON BOOK Give him coupons to redeem—maybe for a back scratch or a shoulder rub or things that would mean much to him.
CUDDLE WHILE WATCHING A MOVIE. Maybe you could even pick out a movie you know he would really like and have a yummy treat!
DON'T BE A PESSIMIST Try not to focus too much on the negative. Try to have a positive outlook in your marriage and on life. There’s a difference between having real and honest talks (which is completely necessary) and just having a sour outlook on everything.
MAKE HIS FAVORITE TREAT
PLAY A GAME TOGETHER.
LOOK HIM IN THE EYES Look your husband straight in the eyes when he talks to you to show that he is your #1 at that moment.
DON'T PUSH THE BUDGET If you can't afford certain things, don't buy them. Try not to complain about your standard of living or whine about the things that you don't have.
HELP HIM SHAVE This is a fun way to be close and to get you both laughing.
LOVE YOURSELF Many times we as women hold back on our husbands because of our own insecurities. Learn to let it go. The things that we're so worried about, usually don't even bother him.
DEFEND HIM Don't let others disrespect your husband. Even just a snide comment can hurt. Stick up for the most important person in your life.
JUST GO TO BED! I don’t always believe in the adage to never go to bed angry. Our kids sure struggle when they are over tired, and so do we. In a moment of frustration when tired and cranky, sometimes just go to bed. You'll likely wake up in the morning with a renewed perspective!
PRAISE and SHOW APPRECIATION When your husband works hard, or does something for you, let him know you appreciate him! Interestingly, researchers have found that praise and admiration is actually on men’s top 5 needs in marriage.
DON'T COMPARE. Be careful not to compare your husband to others - your dad, brothers, or other men. They may be great, but remember your husband is too. Likewise we should avoid comparing ourselves to other wives and moms - which us women are SO guilty of.
ENCOURAGE MAN TIME. Enthusiastically support your husband in perhaps watching sports with other guys, playing sports, or having time to hang out with guys he is close to. Women really need other women, and that "man" time can be important for some husbands.
KEEP LEARNING AND BEING CURIOUS. It can take some real effort and creativity to expand your intellect while tending lots of littles (or whatever your situation may be), but it will make you a more beautiful and interesting wife and mother! Maybe listen to interesting podcasts as you attack the piles of dishes, always carry a good book with you, or quickly research one new topic especially if it’s something your husband would also find interesting!
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