Recently, I read an article entitled, “10 Things Every Husbands Wants to Hear.” About halfway through I began to question why I was even reading such an article, but nevertheless I continued. The article wasn’t specific or personal so while it contained ten great things a wife might say to her husband, I questioned the accuracy of the information. I put this article to the test by asking my husband what he wanted to hear from me.
“You really know how to cut through quarter round trim.”
That was his response.
Earlier in the day, Jason cut through the quarter round trim in our guest bathroom so he could install a new vanity. He had spent the day on his hands and knees doing something for our home, and he wanted my praise. He didn’t want me to say, “I respect you.” Or, “Thanks for providing for our family.” He didn’t just want appreciation as a whole, but specific recognition. He longed for me to say a sentence that I will never find in a marriage book and words that I would not have spoken without his prompting.
There was nothing wrong with me reading that article; great things can come from the wisdom of others. However, I shouldn’t be interested in the top ten things every husband wants to hear, but I must care about ten things my husband wants to hear. If I want to know how to encourage and support my husband, shouldn’t I start by simply asking him? (And then following through, of course, but that is a post for another day…)
What does your husband want to hear from you?
Toni says
Thank you for this. While I love reading to help find encouragement, I honestly think that’s where we should all start, by asking our significant other how they want to be supported, loved, and encouraged. What works for one may not work for another person. Everyone is different. A post from confessions from a terrible husband has stuck with me with a question to ask your spouse, “How may I love and serve you well?”
darbyd says
That is a great question! Thanks for sharing and leaving a comment!