This is the first post in a series of guest posts from different female bloggers around the net.
The ideas for these posts sprang from the question, "What do wives wish good husbands
knew?" This post was written by Kathryn who authors her family blog and also co-owns Ekko Mobiles
with her husband, Matt.
When I told my husband Id be writing a guest post for A Good Husband’s What Wives Wish Good Husbands Did series, he was nervous. Justifiably, considering my Wish List started something like this:
I wish my Good Husband would:
* volunteer to do laundry
* fold laundry without being asked
* wash the dishes promptly each night
* vacuum more often
instead of saying wow, this place is a mess, just clean the mess instead
make the bed…
My list didn’t get much longer before I realized: Hey! These aren’t Good Husband traits, theyre Good Housekeeper traits. And as much as Id love it if my husband loved housework as much as I hate it, those aren’t necessarily the top traits necessary in my lifelong (and beyond) companion.
So my wish list got revised. And realistic. The traits I’d actually like in my husband have less to do with making my life easier and more to do with keeping our relationship strong. That’s a better source of long term happiness for us both. And besides, when a relationship is good, life is good, which makes those mundane tasks like laundry a little less…mundane.
So, dear husband:
Be observant: Since its not fair to wish for a mind reader, this is the next best thing, right? Just notice stuff. Like the nice dinner I prepared, or the extra effort I made to run that errand for you, or the kids stinky diaper, or the hug I could really use right about now. Then take those keen observations and act on them.
Be appreciative: Thank me. Sincerely. For anything and everything. Like that dinner or the errand. Knowing I’m appreciated will make it easier for me to appreciate you and all your thoughtful diaper changes and hugs.
Be open: Since I’m not requiring you to be a mind reader, please don’t expect it from me. I can’t guess what you’re thinking, so you’re just gonna have to tell me. Things always go smoother when we communicate openly. And just think how much better it’d be if I didn’t have to coerce you into it.
Be attentive: I spend all day with a toddler who listens only when the topic concerns doggies, milk, or Elmo. So when you’re around, I crave your listening ear. And, so long as you don’t mention Elmo, I’ll gladly give you mine.
Now, Ive got to give my Good Husband credit. Hes pretty darn good at this stuff. We’ve been happily married for 6 1/2 years, and we’ve both made major progress toward becoming Good Spouses.
But since my particular Good Husband tends be an over-achiever, heres a bit of extra credit: Ill never complain about a clean kitchen…
