Five Things You Can Do To Encourage Your Wife 1. LISTEN. Wives need to be heard. Though you might deem her “small talk” to be frivolous and nonessential, it is important to her. She needs to get things off her chest at the end of the day. She has a need to verbalize things that frustrate her and the children are not the ears that need to hear. If you think your wife doesn’t listen to you, it is probably because you need to listen to her first, before you begin to talk about what is important to you. That principle is exactly like teaching the scriptures to others – they will not listen to us as long as they have something on their minds so let them speak first. But you must listen effectively, with interest in the feelings back of the words. The focus of attention must be upon her. And you must respond with empathy, the ability to enter her world and understand how she feels. You will prove your respect and confidence in your wife by giving her your undivided attention – turn off the TV and make direct eye contact with her. 2. TALK. Spend time communicating – communicating is a two way street. Not only do wives want to be heard but they also want to hear what is important in their husbands lives, Sharing daily experiences creates intimacy. 3. COMPLIMENT HER PERSONALLY. Find something good to say about her every day. Compliment how she looks. Notice the little things that are done in daily chores. Express appreciation for the work done. Tell her how well she cooks and how much you appreciate the effort gone into cooking, etc. (Margaret is an excellent cook and, in all our 44 years of marriage, has had only one real “flop” – that’s quite a record.) 4. PRAISE HER BEFORE OTHERS. Praise your wife in front of our children, friends and brethren. That kind of recognition builds her self esteem and is needed, because sometimes her daily responsibilities wear her down and she feels trapped in a world of washing, cleaning, and routines that wear her down. 5. DON’T JUST TALK, DO SOMETHING. Do something every day that expresses how important your wife is to you – love notes, flowers, cards, etc. You don’t have to spend a fortune on expressions of your affection – a dozen roses every day might be overkill. Just a handwritten, love note left behind on the kitchen counter as you leave for work will mean a lot to her. - Jim R. Everett

	Created on Febuary 16, 2003		Page last updated