10 Steps to Being a Better Husband

[Marilyn. 340]

Everyone worries too much about bills, getting the kids off to school, and why the dog keeps peeing on the carpet. It's time to light that fire again and remind her of all the reasons why she married you to begin with. Here are 10 steps that will get you on your way to husband of the year.

1) Take an interest in something your wife is really passionate about.

This can be especially tough for guys, because we generally feel that if someone else has interests that differ from ours, they're morons. It's not an easy task, and being able to show interest in something that matters to someone you love shows growth—and that's terrifying. Good, but terrifying. Accomplish this and you'll make her feel better about herself, and you get better insight into what makes her tick.

2) Put the kids to bed.

Once a week give her the night off and put the kids to bed by yourself. Let her take a hot bath, read a book, or check gossip on the Web and forget about the kids. I'm always amazed how happy this makes my wife. It ranks somewhere between low-end jewelry and a Hawaiian vacation.

3) Learn to apologize.

This is the easiest one, and the hardest one. A marriage is a marathon, and we all fly off the handle too quick or let our temper get the best of us sometimes. When you're wrong, it's best to step up and apologize. It's amazing how fast "I'm sorry" can defuse a stupid argument about something you can't even remember.

4) Thank her for putting up with you.

Every once in a while, just thank her for putting up with you. That's all you have to say. Don't launch into a list of your faults, or the story about coming home two days late from that Vegas bachelor party. Just thank her, and let her know that you understand that you're not the easiest person in the world to live with.

5) Clean up after yourself.

Take care of that late night snack or morning cereal bowl. Setting them in the sink is one thing, but go that extra mile and actually put them in the dishwasher. After all, no one enjoys scraping bacon dip off a bowl that's been sitting too long or smelling the chili from the night before. A beer bottle on the counter the next morning is even worse.

6) Make time for just the two of you.

Take her on a date once a month. Surprise her by arranging child care, ordering a pizza for the kids, and getting a sitter. She will be so thrilled at your ability to take care of the details that reservations at the best restaurant in town aren't even necessary. The fact that you love her enough to do this would make a Big Mac taste like cracked crab.

7) Groom yourself.

Don't embarrass her when you venture out of the house. Check the ears, nose, neck and yes, feet for hair or other growths that shouldn't be there. She not only wants you to impress her friends by how you act, but also by how you look.

8) Get away from the family.

Yep, you're getting a free pass. This takes a left turn from the others, but it's essential. Get away from all your responsibilities and go camping or on a golf outing with the guys. You'll laugh, relax, and recharge your batteries. And all three will make you a much better husband when you return.

9) Deal with your side of the family.

Help your wife set expectations with your side of the family when it comes to making plans. Don't make her inform your parents that they won't be seeing their grandkids on Christmas this year—pick up the phone and do it yourself. Dealing with extended family can be a huge stress throughout the year, and you don't want the burden to fall entirely on her.

10) Don't lose your dating manners.

Remember, she's your wife, not one of your buddies. Don't burp during dinner, or squeeze one out during the movie as she's reaching for the popcorn. You wouldn't have done that while you were dating, and you shouldn't do it now. Continue to try and impress her. Do everything you can to keep the fire alive, and fight the urge to let the passion die. Find the new, hot place to eat or take her to see a cool band that's in town. Have fun, laugh, and make sure you tell her how great she looks.

http://men.msn.com/guides/10best/article.a...3996&page=1

[Sonshyne 2]

I think I'm gonna print this out and leave it laying around Edited January 21, 2008 by Sonshyne

[Marilyn. 340]

I was thinking of emailing it to my hubby...

[Kazan' Tiger 1]

Well 9 for 10! Not too bad. To be honest I don't feel many of these items are that hard what so ever. They seem common sense to me. But I can see how many males would have challenges. The one I rarely and I do mean rarely do is #8. Unless going running alone for a few hours counts. If so, then I'm 10 for 10.

Edited January 21, 2008 by Kazan' Tiger

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

1) Take an interest in something your wife is really passionate about.

-- this is tough. i am working on this. I give myself a C.

3) Learn to apologize.

-- I am a pro at this. A++!

4) Thank her for putting up with you.

-- I never do this. I think she should thank me for this too

5) Clean up after yourself.

-- I am working on this too. I used to be an F, I think I'm up to a C+ now.

6) Make time for just the two of you.

-- There is plenty of time for the two of us. A++ all around.

7) Groom yourself.

-- D. I don't want to change this. I like the hobo look.

9) Deal with your side of the family.

-- I do. A++

10) Don't lose your dating manners.

-- HA! I fail this test. But that's ok cuz so does she

[Ban Hammer 12,841]

1) Take an interest in something your wife is really passionate about.

if it was that interesting to begin with, i'd already be interested in it.

2) Put the kids to bed.

duct tape and velcro works wonders.

3) Learn to apologize.

for what? being perfect in every way?

4) Thank her for putting up with you.

oh please. if putting up with me was any easier i'd have to charge for the honor.

5) Clean up after yourself.

why? isn't that why i got married?

6) Make time for just the two of you.

i'll fit that in during commercials during football season.

7) Groom yourself.

i happen to enjoy the natural look

8) Get away from the family.

especially hers.

9) Deal with your side of the family.

how can i do that if i'm getting away from the family?

10) Don't lose your dating manners.

what's that?

Edited January 21, 2008 by charlesandnessa

[Alex & Rachel 78]

[Fandango 1,439]

1) Take an interest in something your wife is really passionate about.[/b]

This can be especially tough for guys, because we generally feel that if someone else has interests that differ from ours, they're morons. It's not an easy task, and being able to show interest in something that matters to someone you love shows growth—and that's terrifying. Good, but terrifying. Accomplish this and you'll make her feel better about herself, and you get better insight into what makes her tick.

2) Put the kids to bed.

Once a week give her the night off and put the kids to bed by yourself. Let her take a hot bath, read a book, or check gossip on the Web and forget about the kids. I'm always amazed how happy this makes my wife. It ranks somewhere between low-end jewelry and a Hawaiian vacation.

3) Learn to apologize.

This is the easiest one, and the hardest one. A marriage is a marathon, and we all fly off the handle too quick or let our temper get the best of us sometimes. When you're wrong, it's best to step up and apologize. It's amazing how fast "I'm sorry" can defuse a stupid argument about something you can't even remember.

4) Thank her for putting up with you.

Every once in a while, just thank her for putting up with you. That's all you have to say. Don't launch into a list of your faults, or the story about coming home two days late from that Vegas bachelor party. Just thank her, and let her know that you understand that you're not the easiest person in the world to live with.

5) Clean up after yourself.

Take care of that late night snack or morning cereal bowl. Setting them in the sink is one thing, but go that extra mile and actually put them in the dishwasher. After all, no one enjoys scraping bacon dip off a bowl that's been sitting too long or smelling the chili from the night before. A beer bottle on the counter the next morning is even worse.

6) Make time for just the two of you.

Take her on a date once a month. Surprise her by arranging child care, ordering a pizza for the kids, and getting a sitter. She will be so thrilled at your ability to take care of the details that reservations at the best restaurant in town aren't even necessary. The fact that you love her enough to do this would make a Big Mac taste like cracked crab.

7) Groom yourself.

Don't embarrass her when you venture out of the house. Check the ears, nose, neck and yes, feet for hair or other growths that shouldn't be there. She not only wants you to impress her friends by how you act, but also by how you look.

8) Get away from the family.

Yep, you're getting a free pass. This takes a left turn from the others, but it's essential. Get away from all your responsibilities and go camping or on a golf outing with the guys. You'll laugh, relax, and recharge your batteries. And all three will make you a much better husband when you return.

9) Deal with your side of the family.

Help your wife set expectations with your side of the family when it comes to making plans. Don't make her inform your parents that they won't be seeing their grandkids on Christmas this year—pick up the phone and do it yourself. Dealing with extended family can be a huge stress throughout the year, and you don't want the burden to fall entirely on her.

10) Don't lose your dating manners.

Remember, she's your wife, not one of your buddies. Don't burp during dinner, or squeeze one out during the movie as she's reaching for the popcorn. You wouldn't have done that while you were dating, and you shouldn't do it now. Continue to try and impress her. Do everything you can to keep the fire alive, and fight the urge to let the passion die. Find the new, hot place to eat or take her to see a cool band that's in town. Have fun, laugh, and make sure you tell her how great she looks.

I'd hate to meet the husband who doesn't do this list without being told (cept #8)...meh I dunno...the whole 'be a better husband and clean up after yourself' bit to me reads like the default person who cleans up is the wife...which I find to be a completely sexist notion. Speaking for me only obviously, if I am working a full time job just like my hubby, he is expected to clean up after himself, help with the kids, etc....why is that going 'above and beyond' for a man to share that? Nope, it's 08, and my man is not getting brownie points for cleaning his own coffee cup. Putting the kids to bed? He should WANT to do that. Just as he should WANT to take an interest in summat I like (why would we be married if he wasn't interested in my stuff?), and the apologize stuff? Learn to be a better husband so that you don't NEED to apol for anything! Make it so that we EACH thank each other for being together...not that the atmosphere is so rough that one needs to 'thank' the other for putting up with him.

And why's the man get a free pass for a vacay, yet there's nowt on here saying 'send your wife on a girlie weekend'? What's good for the goose is good for the gander.

And if you need to be told to 'make time for each other'...well, alls I gotta say is

Yes, I know I'm being harsh, but this list irritated the ####### outta me cos it seems like it was written for the 1950s man... ('let' her take a bath? #######?)

Edited January 21, 2008 by LisaD

[Ban Hammer 12,841]

And if you need to be told to 'make time for each other'...well, alls I gotta say is

wait till you have a couple of tricycle motors and you'll see.

[JVKn'CVO 11]

2) Put the kids to bed.

duct tape and velcro works wonders.

3) Learn to apologize.

for what? being perfect in every way?

4) Thank her for putting up with you.

oh please. if putting up with me was any easier i'd have to charge for the honor.

5) Clean up after yourself.

why? isn't that why i got married?

6) Make time for just the two of you.

i'll fit that in during commercials during football season.

I was tempted to make a joke like "why 10? all you need is 1 step: Yes, dear!"

but...that's so not me

Saludos,

Caro

[nin 1]

why is that going 'above and beyond' for a man to share that? Nope, it's 08, and my man is not getting brownie points for cleaning his own coffee cup. Putting the kids to bed? He should WANT to do that. ...

Yes, I know I'm being harsh, but this list irritated the ####### outta me cos it seems like it was written for the 1950s man... ('let' her take a bath? #######?)

I couldn't agree more.

The "Make time for just the two of you" IS a big deal when you have young kids. At least for us. It's important, but still something we need to work on more.

[Marilyn. 340]

well then think of this as a refresher course for your husband/SO....

[almaty 19]

terrible article

[AnewKINDofFEELIN 0]

I won't belch at dinner, but you can't ask me to give up farts during movies.

Number 10 of How To Be A Better Wife should be "learn to laugh at farts."

[Amby 490]

terrible article