12 Tiny Ways To Know Your Husband's Happy In Your Marriage
Signs your husband, and your marriage, are very happy.
Mathilde Langevin, valeriimingirov | Canva We call it "dropping the bomb" syndrome and it usually follows the same pattern: One partner believes everything is going along fine when suddenly, the other spouse announces the marriage is over — finished, done, period. It turns out — things were far from fine. There was a lot of denial going on, a lot of saying "yes" when you meant "no," and a lot of unexpressed anger simmering just below the surface. When that simmer reaches a boil, the bomb drops.
While women initiate divorce more often than men, I find husbands are more likely to walk out (end things) unexpectedly, leaving their wives in shock, disbelief, and anger at being left. The resulting collateral damage to children and extended family only widens the circle of pain. How can you really know if your husband is happily married? Is there a way to tell if your marriage is bomb-proof? When he says "I love you" can you believe it?
Here are 12 ways to know your husband is happy in your marriage:
1. He feels noticed and appreciated
Research shows men want to feel appreciated and how much they do (or don't) is a prime measure of how happily married they are.
2. He knows he can confide in you without being judged or criticized
This kind of self-disclosing communication is crucially important because it builds trust and commitment.
3. He knows that you desire him because you express that desire intimately
No matter how much a man enjoys intimacy, it's a turnoff to feel like he's the only one interested.
4. He likes how he feels about himself when he is with you
Your affectionate attention outside of the bedroom, (compliments, praise, hugs, warm touches, saying "I love you") makes him feel good about himself and endears you to him.
5. He knows you will not tolerate bad behavior on his part
He knows your love is real and respects you because he knows your love is not based on submissive compliance.
6. He likes that you need him, but that you aren't "needy"
Relying on each other is a part of a healthy relationship, but being "needy" (overly dependent) creates control and the desire to flee from it.
7. He likes that you care about looking attractive in your own way
He doesn't expect you to look like a Hollywood starlet, but seeing that you care about your appearance makes him feel you value yourself and the relationship.
8. He feels respected and admired by you
Love and respect go hand in hand. Feeling admired by the one you love enhances self-esteem; it renews both intimate and emotional passion between you two.
9. He never feels belittled or humiliated by you
When you are angry and don't resort to personal attacks, he feels safe and open to hearing your reasons for being upset.
10. He trusts you to let go of the past
You don't hold grudges, keep score, or consistently feel victimized by life. This makes your marriage flexible rather than rigid, exciting rather than dull, and open for a future of growing together.
11. He knows that he's a top priority in your life
Your husband wants to know he's important to you. He's comfortable taking a backseat to all you do and he's confident that when he seriously needs you, you'll be there for him 100%.
12. He appreciates your kindness to his family
No one gets to choose their family and many have problems. When you make a genuine effort to accept him, he feels respected and valued by you.
Evelyn and Paul Moschetta are marriage counselors, therapists, and workshop leaders who have written many books dealing with marriage including The Marriage Spirit.