Do you want to be a better spouse?
Setting out to improve your marriage requires self-awareness and a willingness to correct unhealthy patterns. It requires humility and dedication. Whatever state of health your marriage is in, you can always find ways to be a better husband or wife.
Wondering what you can do to improve your marriage? We’ve gathered some practical answers to help you start on the right path. Let’s jump in.
Ask Your Spouse
One of the most enlightening things you can do to be a better spouse is simply asking how! Try asking your husband or wife, “What is one thing I can do today to be a better husband/wife?” Then, consider how you can put that into practice.
You might be surprised at the answer you receive. From personal experience, it’s easy to dread the answer, because what if your spouse asks for something that’s difficult to do? But the truth is, it’s probably a lot simpler than you think.
The thing is, you need this essential insight from your spouse. Otherwise, you’re trying to fill in the blanks on your own. Attempting to answer for your spouse puts you at risk of completely missing the bullseye, so be sure to get their valuable insight before you act.
Be Mindful of Your Speech and Behavior
How you speak and behave influences your marriage relationship. One way to be a better spouse is to be more mindful of what you do and say. How can your words and actions contribute to a better marriage?
Think ahead before you speak or act. Consider how your daily decisions make your spouse feel. Are there ways you can improve your interactions each day? How can you show more love through what you say and do?
It’s essential to be conscious of how you affect your spouse. Let’s say they’ve brought an issue to your attention, but you just don’t understand what the problem is. Rather than ignoring your spouse and continuing to repeat this action, be more open-minded. Be willing to listen to their concerns and walk in their shoes. You might be surprised at how much better you’ll understand their perspective.
Let Empathy Lead the Way
Mindfulness goes hand-in-hand with empathy. If you want to be a better spouse, let empathy lead your daily actions and words. It’s one of the vital ingredients of a healthy marriage.
Empathy requires putting yourself in your spouse’s position to gain a deeper connection with their point of view. What is being married to you really like, from their perspective? When you reflect on that, how do you feel about your role in your marriage?
Practicing mutual empathy can dramatically improve your relationship. That’s what we talk about in our book, Trading Places. This practical guide to increasing empathy in your marriage also comes with companion workbooks for men and women. After all, the journey to becoming a better spouse is best when you work together.
What do you do each day to be a better spouse? Let us know in the comments.
