10 Ways to Be A Good Husband

by Cory H. on February 16, 2008

1. Respect the Sanctity of Marriage

Put your marriage first. Whether you are religious or not, some things are just sacred. Marriage is very near the top of the list of sacred things. Society is built on successful families and successful families are built on a bedrock foundation of trust, love and fidelity. If every man in the world would treat his marriage like it was the most important thing in the world, above his career, friends, and hobbies, then so much of society’s problems would be solved.

2. Be Her Sounding Board

Listen to what your wife has to say. Sometimes she needs to talk to someone and that doesn’t necessarily mean she needs you to fix it. This has always been a difficult thing for me to do. Sometimes instead of having a problem fixed, women just want someone to listen to them so they can talk it out and work it out in their own minds and hearts. She might ask for suggestions or thoughts, but sometimes what she really wants is just a sounding board.

3. Show Respect and Withhold Judgement

Most likely (HOPEFULLY!) you respected your wife’s intelligence and capabilities when you married her. You should continue to do that. Women want to feel respected and cherished. They want to feel safe. If your wife makes a suggestion that you disagree with or find unreasonable, try asking her what she means, and do it in as kind a tone as possible. You might find that behind her unreasonable suggestion is a little nugget of wisdom that you did not recognize.

4. Know When to Make it About You

Every marriage should be built on the premise of making it about your spouse first. There are times, however, when an individual’s needs must be met before they can be capable of helping others. If you are really upset about something, don’t just bury it under manly silence. Tell her about it and ask for her help. Most wives will be more than glad to listen and care about you. You are not less of a man if you need help with a problem every once in a while, or if you just need to blow off a little steam. Indeed, I would say that most wives appreciate it a great deal when their husbands really open up to them about what’s troubling them.

5. Word Hard and Work Smart

Women are attracted to men who are able providers, protectors, and nurturers. They want a man who can and will be an able partner in life. It is fulfilling for a man to work hard and succeed at whatever he does. if the job requires more time than originally estimated, if it’s more strenuous than originally thought, a Good Husband will gird up his loins and redouble his efforts. Of course, working long and difficult hours when you don’t have to is less than effective. Think about what you’re doing and whether it’s actually worth it. Is there a better way to get it done? Can it be more efficient? Good Husbands use their intellect as well as their brawn.

6. Be A Leader

Do you have something you believe in? Do you hold to your convictions no matter what? If so, these are admirable traits in a man. I’m not talking about being obstinate or obtuse, I mean standing up for what’s right and convincing others to do the same. There is a whole industry built around learning how to lead, but let me just say this: if more men would take the time to help those who need a little direction, the world would be a better place.

7. Be Affectionate

Admit it. You like cuddling just a little bit. No? Fake it. Women need to feel loved and cared about. Give her a little pat when you walk by, compliment her when she’s doing some task, give her a kiss before you walk out the door. If you don’t know what kind of affection makes your wife happy, then I suggest you read The Five Love Languages. That book will show you how to find out what each of you needs in a relationship to communicate love and affection.

8. Care About Her Well Being

Not all of you will have to live with having a spouse who is chronically ill, but you will have to deal with illness, injury, and emotional distress. You should care about how your wife is feeling. She is delicate and sensitive. She needs to be cared for and it is your responsibility to do so. In addition to general health concerns, women feel better when they are allowed to be beautiful. Pamper her. I remember when I first got married and found out how much makeup and hair products cost. I almost went through the roof, but then I realized that it makes my wife happy, which in turn makes me happy.

9. Be Generous and Fair

I take care of the family finances in our household and I always make sure that my wife has some money. Whoever takes care of the money in your house, make sure that your wife is cared for and not deprived. Buy her treats and presents. Be liberal with your household budget and trust that she will be careful with the hard earned money. It’s amazing what a woman can do with a home when she is allowed free reign with decorating and arranging.

10. Think Like a Team

However you have worked out your roles within the household, whether one works and one stays home with the kids, or both work, you are a team working towards a common goal. Do you have goals? My wife and I sit down each Sunday afternoon and have family counsel. We talk about our plans for the week, how we can help each other, any business that needs to be discussed, and then we share at least 3 three things we like about each other. It usually takes about 30 minutes but it’s an integral part of our marriage.

Do you have any other suggestions?

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SteadyRocknU 5 pts

I am a Woman and all I could say to Men that really want to be good husbands is that you have to show your wives love and respect. Be emotionally supportive. show them that they are equal as you. Do not make them feel less. If you do something nice for her never throw it in her face. She might not always be in the mood in having sex, be patient. Help her with the children if you have any. Show her that you care and that she matters. Believe me if you start lashing out on her because she is not what you expected, then it is time to leave her because she will never fullfill your expectations.

Someonelikeme 5 pts

Happy wife = happy life. Marriage is hard work, and you can't improve on something for a week and then let things go back to old ways. These are all very good ways to be a great husband. I would put heavy emphasis on #10 because it seems that a lot of men have selfish ways of thinking, whereas a woman tends to think of the family before herself. Of course there are exceptions to the rule, i am speaking generally.

Distantlover 5 pts

I came to this site for hope of what we used to have.... Love... And sex. I bend over backwards and almost denounce my manhood at this point in our relationship(btw I'm a proud irish Italian man who is very obstinate and opinionated) because I love her and feel like she is my soulmate and that she is the most beautiful being I've ever known( but no longer feel she's that to me or our relationship) although I constantly see that beauty directed to complete strangers and know it still exists. I'm also extremely sexual and would prefer to have sex twice a day and find us having sex twice a month. Things are bad and getting worse not better no matter how much I beg and plea and roll over. Im doing all I can to withstand constant abuse from her mentally n physically. To which I've never abused her mentally or physically. However I've caused most of the problems in our relationship from my past actions. However I've never slept with anyone else but have been very flirtatious with other women. Extremely flirtatious at that. I still love n care for her deeply but feel like I eat shit every day and we fight on a daily basis over nothing. If I'm good or bad. She just keeps fighting over nothing n everything. I'm a smart loyal good looking guy that could have any women but I want kids and my heart chose this one. But things are so bad. She doesn't provide orally or sexually no matter how much I beg. I'm a gentleman as well. I don't want to leave this long term relationship but I can't take it anymore. Wtf do I do???? I still love her and am extremely loyal person but how many times can I roll over. Should I be her bitch cuz I love her? I know she'd never be with me if I said or did the same shit she does to me. Just lookin for insight ? Thanks guys. N save your u r a bitch comments cuz I'd most likely beat your head in.

Robynxo63 5 pts

Im in the same boat as you but Im a woman.i could get any man I want, except my husband, sucks!

SteadyRocknU 5 pts

Distantlover Man you sound just like my ex!! Except my Ex tormented me every freackin day. Thats why I feel I need to ask you, Are you positively sure you are not mentally or physically abusing her?? Im sorry if youre not! but many times, men dont even think they are inflicting abuse but they are one way or another... if your wife is anything like me she will never give in unless you realize what you are doing to her. My biggest advice just make her feel Safe and Cherish her Please!

the reason why we came to this blog or site to comment is because we want to be better husbands and fathers to our families. We're now displaying what most probably is the reason why we are having problems in our families. Religion aside gentlemen, we need to love our wives and children more and just pray to be better husbands. I liked to post and its very enriching. I'm a new father and yes when faced with challenges us men become frustrated and try to solve things on our own. Involve your woman and work things together. Also show that affection to your wife, these women really do need it. Love is soul food to women. Give them lots of it and you will realize that with so much love your home will be the best place you would wish to be at any time.

How to be a good husband to my wife.

I just got married on july 7th of this year. so im extremly new at being married. my mother has been married 5 times in her life..(yeah i know WOW).. but any way. i dont want to be like her at all. every day my wife and i have been fighting over stupid shit.. and its not like we have a spark no more.. and im sad.. and im scared that its gunna end up with a bad ordeal.. but my mother and sisters tell me to be patient.. and im very young and im in the army. as a infantry soldier that has been deployed to Afghanistan. so I have seen how the men there treat there wives.. but im not into reliogion at all so thats not was im talking about.. ne way.. i just need help. so if neone cares about me situation and wants to know more.. and will give me helpfull intel. fell free to email me.. thanks. :)

To the person quoted the line from the Quran. You do know that line was revealed during a war and that is why it states such. Don't critisize Islam and Muslims because we put up with more than our fare share of BS. To the guy who drew refrence to the candy, well said. And a Muslim man can only have more than one wife only if he can treat them equally and to my knowledge a woman can divorce her husband if he doesn't fullfil his husbandry duties. The woman of a houshold is supposed to control the monitary issues and budget of the house. Alot of the "Islam" ur callin on there is traditional shit from Pakistan and India and most middle eastern countries where the woman is looked down on. Also the Quran says that men and women are equal and it refers towhen it says 'o man' it means 'o mankind' refering to men and women.

Marriage is hard but its wonderful if you are in luv.

Relationships in marriage only work when the woman is the main rule maker and "leader". The man must obey and agree (In most situations).
A man who does not understand the woman is usually being too stubborn or too angry and aggressive.
Think and observe this my fellow Man and you will probably agree.

God is too big for just one religion, the one God is the same for all your religions.
Peace and love to you all
more love and respect please

Islam is being spread with character. A musim has got no right to hit a small insect like an ant also. I have been taught that all religions should be respected. Racial comments bring discomfort in the society. please be polite and live as 1 community and you will see how far things can go. jai,if you want to learn about being a good husband,contact me on naz_khatri@hotmail.com

Religion is bullshit. Treat your wife like you are sharing the one and only life you'll ever have--because this life is the only one we know exists.

I got married in Febuary of this year, so I am still a newly wed, yet I feel as if my marrage is already on the rocks; because I am not doing my husbandly duties. I do not think I am all to blam in this but I know I am not doing my best because I am use to living alone and by myself. Does anyone have any sucgestions

Guys.. Please do help me become a better husband. Share your thoughts and experiences

I am sure all of us who read here are trying to find out ways to become an ideal husband.... please do not make it a religious issue. It applies to a man with many wives as much as it applies to anyone with one wife.
Request all of you to add your personal experiences and enrich this page more.

I have been foolish of not being 2,3 and 4 above. I intend to become a fine husband soon.

look up dr zak naik that is not how it is

people don't take things out of content,, you sound stupid when you do that,, in Islam, as a good Muslim,, one must cherish his wife ,,respect her,, show her love,, comfort her,, and please her in every way possible,, if i Muslim women don't get this from her husband she has the right to divorce him, in Islam women have so many rights that,, women around the world wish they could,, and before u judge on wat the media puts in ur minds , do some research,, look around and ask the Muslim women how they feel.. they say why Muslim women are covered up its called modesty and respect for them selfs not us,, let me ask u a ? if u saw a two pieces of candy anywhere a store ,, floor.. table where ever,, and one was still wit its original rapper and the other got nothing on it it open with a rap on,, u don't know what been in it,, which one would u take,, ? so before u judge anybody in any way form. or religion study, the background in why they do what they do,,,

Whats located in the koran..hmm..make you r wife secluded from the the world, treat her like a lesser being, dominate and beat her sounds more like islamic to me.

They are the corner stone of every religion except Muslim, I am in Iraq right now and I see men with multiple wives. Only Jews and Christians base there lives off of this. Also was that the part in the Qur'an that said"Qur’an:9:5 - “Fight and kill the disbelievers wherever you find them, take them captive, harass them, lie in wait and ambush them using every stratagem of war.” Let me guess it was under that part were it said be faithful to your wife and treat her as your equal.

I want to say all these & more its locted in ISLAMIC releagine try to do it..!

Good thoughts on being an ideal husband. Are these traits result of your own personal experiences or you have read them somewhere?

Amit Bhatias last blog post..Dealing with Strong Emotions - By Osho

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