Zig Ziglar once said, “Your mate doesn’t live by bread alone; he or she needs to be ‘buttered up’ from time to time.”
Anyone who’s been married for long knows just how much a small kind deed can make a world of difference for your spouse. As husbands, we ought to regularly get our wives’ attention through selfless acts of kindness. Here are 5 ways to butter up your wife that you can try this week.
1. Do the unexpected.
This could include so many different things. However, you know your wife best and what would butter her up most. Maybe it’s washing those dishes, or folding that laundry. Or maybe it’s a surprise weekend getaway, or taking over all kid duties for the weekend so she can have some much needed time off. Find ways to both practically surprise and pleasantly spoil your wife.
2. Compliment her character.
This might be even more meaningful to her than complimenting her physical appearance. What do you love about who your wife is and how she operates that makes her uniquely special to you? Maybe it’s the way she patiently puts up with your side of the family or your own weakest qualities. Or maybe it’s how she makes so many big and small sacrifices for the family that often go unrecognized. How could you encourage her through your kind words about her best qualities?
3. Compliment her beauty.
Your wife’s beauty drew you to her in the first place. Remind her regularly of how she is still beautiful to you. Don’t be shy about expressing when one of her features turns you on or has you mesmerized. Live by the principle that when you think good thoughts about your wife, you share them with her. You might get tired of sharing so many, but she won’t likely get tired of hearing them.
4. Give her a gift.
Whether it’s some cash to get her nails done, a gift card to her favorite coffee shop, or simply grabbing her favorite candy bar and some flowers on the ride home from work, whatever you gift her is sure to bring a smile to her face and make her feel special to you. Maybe leave it on the table with a sticky note when you get home and wait until she notices to see her sincere reaction.
5. Pray over her.
Spiritual strength speaks volumes to a wife when her husband speaks truth and love and protection over her through prayer. Simply adding a quick prayer for her before you kiss her goodbye in the morning could make a huge difference on her outlook for the rest of the day. Try it and see for yourself.
Sound off: What are other ways you can butter up your wife this week?
Huddle up with your kids and ask, “What is something I could do more of that makes you feel extra special?”