25 Ways a Woman Can Superglue Her Marriage - Part 1
By Dr. John Gray
Make your husband fall in love with you all over again.
What exactly is the anatomy for keeping romance alive? Well, check your attitude regarding accepting and appreciating the many differences between men and women. Here are 25 ways for women to keep their love relationships glowing and growing.
1. When he compliments you, don't be demure and, worse yet, don't disagree. Smile and tell him that you appreciate it.
2. Tuck a picture of him in your wallet. Show him. Update it once a year. Show him again.
3. Don't ask him if you are gaining weight. Avoid self put-downs like, "I'm getting fat." Feeling confident about yourself makes you sexy.
4. Shower him with thank-you's. Often. Even if he does something around the house week in and week out as a regular chore. Sure, you're both responsible grown-ups. It's just as sure that this kind of flattery will get you everywhere.
5. If he's on a low-fat or low-cholesterol diet, seek out recipes that his doctor would approve of. This says that you care enough to make the extra effort. Then, after your culinary cartwheels, if he gobbles up a whole bag of chips or cookies, don't mention it. He knows he acted like a child. He doesn't need you to be his mother.
6. If he's driving, don't give unsolicited advice in the car unless you're in labor!
7. When he drops crumbs on the counter or socks on the floor, pause before commenting. First, consider, "Am I about to launch a negative remark?" Men cannot connect with their wives when they're being corrected. Second, prioritize what's really important enough for you to make a fuss over.
8. Is a spotless kitchen absolutely essential to you? Then say, "Honey, would you please clean off the counter" not "You're always leaving crumbs." Blaming statements are counter-productive.
9. Can you cook? Then do. Men take it as a sign of love. It's primal. It's potent.
10. Squash these questions: "How come we don't spend more time together?" and "Why can't you be more romantic?" They're not useful.
11. Streamline your requests by using as few words as possible. Don't explain why you want what you want -- practice phrases like: "Please take me out for dinner this Friday night at Le Eatery -- I'd love it!" and "It would make me so happy to get a big bouquet of tulips tomorrow from the florist near your office." Men like it when you get straight to the point.
12. When he makes a mistake, bite your tongue. He'll appreciate it. Saying "You shouldn't have" or "I told you so" is the quickest way to stifle communication.
Check tomorrow's Marriage Tips for #13 to #25.