Tell Your Hubby You Love Him

ATTENTION:

FOR THE MARRIED LADIES ONLY!!!!

and

VERY LONG POST!!!!

Ephesians 5:31-33 (NLT)
As the Scriptures say, “A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.” This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one. So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

Now that I have your attention with my title post....and that this post is for the married ladies only.....here's what I want to talk about today....loving our hubbies....and making him feel special!!!

Oh, I know you love your husband....and he loves you.....but....how often do we go out of our way to do a little something extra just for him...just to build him up and make him feel truly wanted and needed? Now...don't be thinking to yourself...well, what has he done for me lately?...or....Why would I want to go out of my way for him when he sure doesn't for me?

Let's get the focus off of self today....and put it on our husbands!!!

I was searching for some scripture to put on a little chalk board that I have in the kitchen. For several weeks now, it's simply said "I LUV MY HUBBY"!!!

In my search for something else to write on there...I came across this web-site that talks about

"101 Ways to Tell Your Hubby You Love Him"...

and wanted to share it with you...so....I picked out 51 of my favorites:

(comments in parenthesis are mine)

As we enter into marriage, we may wonder how we ever lived life without our mate. We're focused on each other, and that makes us close. However, the longer we're married, our focus tends to turn to jobs, bills, or children and less on each other. Unfortunately, this causes many marriages to turn cold and some eventually die. Have you ever wondered how people stay married for 30, 40, or more years? Do you want your marriage to last a lifetime? The key is to stay focused on your mate. Here are some ways for you to show your husband your love. Choose at least five every day and watch your marriage blossom into a wonderful relationship!

1. TEXT HIM A LOVE MESSAGE

Send him a romantic text message on his cell. Make sure it's sweet but spicy!

(Ladies...he's YOUR HUSBAND....it's okay to be spicy!!!)

2. DO ONE OF HIS CHORES FOR HIM

Pick a chore that he dreads, such as mowing the lawn, and do it for him. Watch him as he sighs with relief. (Pappy loves it when I mow the yard and he doesn't have to do it...plus...if you push mow....think of the exercise you're getting!!!)

3. SHOW APPRECIATION

When your husband works hard, or does something for you, let him know you appreciate him.
(I've truly tried to do this one...especially, since I've quit work and he tries to work several hours OT each week to help out with the bills...and give us a little extra spending $$$)

4. MAKE YOUR HOME HIS REFUGE

Let your home be a haven where your husband can retreat from the stresses of life. Do your best to make it a pleasant environment.

5. LAUGH AT HIS ANTICS

Don't let the little things that your husband does get on your nerves. If you think about it, some of these things may have been what attracted you to him! He just wouldn't be the same if he didn't do these things.

(Moment of confession...there are some things that Pappy does that "get on my last nerve"...but....I'm really trying to "let it go"....because....things could be so much worse than him riding a stick horse around the yard....or, clapping too loudly....or whatever else it is....my husband loves the Lord...and he loves me...what more could I ask for??? Plus...the boys love how playful their Pappy is!!!)

6. PRAY FOR HIM

Ask God to give him that extra boost to make everything OK. Let your husband hear you pray too. This will let him know that when you can't make it right, you'll ask someone who can.

(when I hear the garage door go up in the mornings, and Pappy is heading to work....I pray for his safety...and for security of his job!!!

7. CHECK BEFORE THROWING THINGS AWAY

If your husband has some things that seem useless to you, don't trash them until you've made sure he doesn't need them.

(this one I learned the hard way...don't ask!!!)

8. CHECK BEFORE REARRANGING

Ask your husband if it's OK before you move or straighten things on his desk or work area. If he has things where it's easy to find, it might make it chaotic if it's moved.

(without being mean....I wouldn't even know where to start rearranging...so I just don't touch it!!!)

9. DON'T EXPECT HIM TO READ YOUR MIND

If there is something you want your husband to know about you, tell him. Don't expect him to just know what you're thinking or what you need.

(I truly believe this is a MAJOR DIFFERENCE between men and women....don't all women expect their husbands to just automatically know without being told...no matter what it is?!?!?)

10. LAUGH TOGETHER

Forget you're adults for awhile, and just act silly together. Also, if something should go awry, try to find some humor in it somewhere. This will also reduce the stress of the situation.

(this is something that we used to do a lot when Jess was little....not so much in recent years....I'm gonna work on this one!!!)

11. RESIST THE URGE TO SNOOP

Don't sneak around and check up on your husband, if you want to know something, ask him to his face.

(TRUST, TRUST, TRUST!!!)

12. GIVE HIM A ROMANTIC CARD

Don't wait for a special occasion to give him a card. Find the most romantic card you can find and leave it in his car. Don't forget to add your own personal message! Maybe you'll even make him nervous, wondering if he forgot an anniversary!

(I haven't done this one in a while!!)

13. PACK HIS FAVORITE TREAT

Buy his favorite candy bar or other treat, and pack it in his lunch with a love note.

14. TAKE A BUBBLE BATH TOGETHER

This is self-explanatory.
(no personal comment on this one....a girl can't give away all her secrets!!!)

15. LET HIM BUY THAT TOY

Permit him to buy that toy he's been wanting so badly. Better yet, put some of your own things off, save the money and buy it for him yourself!
(oh, I wish I had the funds to do this one for Pappy!!)

16. TALK ABOUT THE FUTURE

The future isn't as far away as it seems sometimes. Talk about where you'd like to be when you're married 50 years, and work on making those dreams happen.

17. GIVE HIM THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT

Don't jump to conclusions if your husband has said or done something questionable. Give him the chance to explain before you pass judgement. (I think this comes with maturity....being married quite a while....and again TRUST, TRUST, TRUST!!!)

18. LET HIM BE THE MAN OF THE HOUSE

Although this is growing increasingly unpopular, it does still work. Just because your husband is in charge of the household doesn't mean that you can't share your opinions, it just means he's captain of the team.

(very difficult for strong-willed women....but it can happen....with practice...just ask me!!!)

19. SAY, "I'M SORRY"

Although you may not want to admit it, there will be times when you're in the wrong. Maybe you've said something hurtful or done something insensitive. Never have too much pride to tell him you're sorry.

(don't have a problem with this one!!!)

20. WRITE A NOTE ON THE STEAMED-UP BATHROOM MIRROR

While your husband is showering, sneak in and write, "I love you" on the steamed-up bathroom mirror.

21. LET BYGONES BE BYGONES

If your husband has done or said something to hurt you, forgive him. Don't keep bringing up the past every time you get into a disagreement, especially if he has shown remorse.

(this one takes a lot of practice...and maturity, too....I should know!!!)

22. BE HONEST

Don't hide things from your husband. Be open and transparent. This will help him trust you more.

23. BRAG ON HIM IN FRONT OF HIS FRIENDS

Men naturally rely on boost in their ego now and then in order to stay confident. Let him hear you tell others about the great things he says and does.

24. CLEAN HIS CAR FOR HIM

Surprise him by giving his car a good detailed cleaning. If you don't want to tackle it yourself, have it professionally done.

25. PUT HIS PICTURE IN WALLPAPER

Let him know that you still think he's a gorgeous hunk by putting his picture on your computer desktop!

26. WORSHIP TOGETHER

The couple who prays together, stays together. These will be very tender and special moments shared between the two of you, as well as important.

(AMEN to this one!!! This is something that Pappy and I didn't do for many years....but once we started praying together...out loud...it really made a difference in our relationship!!!)

27. EAT BY CANDLELIGHT

Cook his favorite meal and light the candles. Take time to focus on each other.

28. BE DEVOTED TO HIM

One of the greatest gifts that you could ever give your husband is your true faithfulness. This includes physically, emotionally, and in your thoughts. If you're struggling with temptation, nip it in the bud. Tell him your feelings in a sensitive and loving way. Don't bottle anything up, this is asking for disaster.

29. RUN YOUR FINGERS THROUGH HIS HAIR

Or massage his temples if he doesn't have any. Do this while he relaxes. Remember, your touch is important to him.

30. DON'T CONTRADICT HIM IN FRONT OF OTHERS

This will only embarrass him and cause people to lose respect. This is especially important if you have children.

31. DON'T CRITICIZE HIM IN FRONT OF OTHERS

If you feel that your husband needs a bit of constructive criticism, make sure it's just that - constructive. Don't offer it at all unless it's in a loving way, and in private. Being criticized in front of others lowers self esteem and causes hurt feelings.

32. DEFEND HIM

Don't let others disrespect your husband. Even just a snide comment can hurt. Stick up for him. Don't let someone drive into the ground the most important person in your life.

33. LOVE YOURSELF

Many times we as women hold back on our husbands because of our own insecurities. Learn to let it go. The things that we're so worried about, usually don't even bother him. What bothers him is when we hold back. Remember, although this may sound strange, you can't really love someone until you love yourself.

(work in progress!!!)

34. PAMPER HIM WHEN HE'S SICK

Men love to be pampered, especially when they're sick. Make sure everything is comfortable and that he has his "special soup."

35. LOOK HIM IN THE EYES

Look your husband straight in the eyes when he talks to you. Not only will this show that you're interested in what he has to say, but there is something about looking straight into his eyes that will give you butterflies.

36. DISPLAY YOUR MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE

Frame the sacred document of your marriage. This will be a wonderful and constant reminder that your love is sealed, and you really do belong to each other.

(hanging on our bedroom wall!!!)

37. DON'T GO TO BED MAD

Although you've probably heard this one for years, and it may have been your grandmother's first marriage advice to you, it is still true. Going to bed hurt or angry keeps feelings under the surface. When you wake up you don't want to continue the argument, so you you hold in your frustrations and they begin to mount. It's best to talk everything out, and fall asleep in each other's arms.

(I love the saying "Always Kiss Me Goodnight"....and I bought a sign that says that for Pappy for our anniversary one year....and that's something that we ALWAYS try to do before going to sleep....how can you stay mad if you're being kissed by the man you love??!?!?)

38. DON'T COMPARE HIM

Don't EVER, EVER compare your husband to another man - not even your father. Your husband is his own person and unique in his own ways. Love him for it.

(sad to say....in the past I was guilty of this one!!!)

39. GREET HIM AT THE DOOR

Don't wait for your husband to say, "Honey, I'm home!" Watch for him, and greet him at the door with a hug and kiss.

40. DEDICATE A SONG TO HIM

Did you have a song that was "your song" while you were dating?

41. GRAB A KISS WHILE YOU WAIT

Kiss your husband while you're waiting at the stoplight or in the food drive-through. Your wait won't seem near as long, and you may wish it could last a littler longer!

(I like this one....and I've done it!!!)

42. BE HIS BEST FRIEND

Let him feel confident that you'll always be there when needs to talk, to laugh, or even cry. Let him be free to be himself at all times and stick with him through the thick and thin.

43. CHERISH THE SMALL THINGS

Concentrate on the way he walks, the way he talks, his smile, or the way he says your name. These are really more important than you think, and no one can do it quite like him.

(As I've gotten older....I sometimes think about things that I would miss if something were to happen to Pappy....sad thought, I know, but it makes me concentrate more on him NOW....before it's too late!!!)

44. KEEP YOURSELF ATTRACTIVE

It's easy to fall into a "house wife" mode and just walk around in "cleaning clothes" with your hair twisted into a mess. That's OK while your actually cleaning, but try to be more presentable by the time your husband sees you. Bathe, put on clean clothes and a dab of perfume, and set your hair nice.

(this one....I've gotta work on!!!)

45. LOOK OUT FOR HIS HEALTH

Encourage your husband to get plenty of sleep and exercise. Try to get him to keep medical and dental appointments. Cook healthy meals, and give him nutritional supplements.

46. SPLURGE OCCASIONALLY

Although money is a precious commodity to many couples, try to find a way to splurge on something now and then. If you can't afford a trip, find a hotel in or near your hometown with a jacuzzi. If it's still too costly, buy something that you both would enjoy, like a new CD.

47. WORK ON YOUR WAYS

It's easy to see and point out flaws in your husband, but if you're honest, you'll realize that you haven't earned a halo yet. Try to work on your own shortcomings and make yourself a better person.

(this one was meant just for me!!!)

48. SEEK HIS ADVICE

Ask for your husband's input and advice on anything from children to what he might like to eat. This will let him know he's needed and that his thoughts are important.

49. SHOP FOR HIM

When you run to the store, see if there is something that you should pick up for him.

50. DON'T TALK HIS LEG OFF IF HE'S TIRED

If your husband is tired and you need to talk to him, go straight to the bottom line and spare the details.

51. JUST SAY IT

Make it a point to say the words I love you every single day, and mean it.

If you get a chance....visit the web-site and read all 101 ways. Some of them are romantic...and might not be exactly what would work between you and your hubby...but think of your own ways to let him know you're so glad you married him...and you'd do it all over again!!!!

In His Most Precious Love....and with mine!!!