If you’re frustrated by your husband’s attitudes or actions, you won’t see him change if you use discouraging approaches such as criticizing or nagging. The way to bring out the best in your husband is to encourage him. If your husband sees that you believe in him no matter what, he’ll gain the confidence to believe in himself and change for the better.
Freely give him encouragement. Don’t withhold your encouragement because you don’t think your husband has earned it. Accept your husband as he is, recognizing that he has worth and dignity in God’s eyes, even though he is imperfect.
Listen well to him. Give your husband your full attention when he’s sharing his thoughts and feelings with you. Refrain from judging what he says; simply try to understand him. Let him know that you’re genuinely interested by asking questions and paraphrasing what he says to clarify whether or not you’ve successfully received his messages.
Deal carefully with his sensitive areas. When you discover areas of your husband’s life that he’s particularly sensitive about – his weight, his job challenges, or anything else – don’t be harsh or forceful with him when discussing those areas. Instead, try to be gentle so he feels safe around you.
Love him. Be patient by tolerating his frailties, imperfections, and shortcomings. Be kind by being tender and thoughtful toward him. Don’t be jealous of his genuine friendships with others or of his special gifts and talents. Don’t be boastful about your personal appearance or achievements in an attempt to compete with him. Don’t be arrogant by disdaining his looks or achievements or by belittling him. Don’t be rude by being inconsiderate of his needs or feelings. Don’t insist on your own way; instead, be willing to compromise and consider his needs and interests. Don’t be irritable by snapping at your him; instead, be approachable. Don’t be resentful by holding grudges; instead, be forgiving. Don’t rejoice in wrong by delighting in his misfortunes, keeping score, or tallying perceived wrongs. Rejoice in right by being truthful and not concealing anything from him. Bear all things by supporting him in his times of struggle. Believe all things by having confidence in him. Hope all things by refusing to wallow in pessimism about your relationship and keeping a positive attitude. Endure all things by not giving into life’s pressures by standing by him when he’s struggling.
Voice your complaints in encouraging ways. Just like everyone, you’ll sometimes have valid concerns you’ll need to express through complaints. But when you do, avoid criticizing your husband, because that will only accentuate his negative attitudes and behaviours! Instead of focusing on what bothers you, phrase your complaint in the form of a request and talk about what you would appreciate him doing. Your husband will be more likely to listen and respond positively if you speak positively to him. When your husband changes for the better, give him plenty of praise and gratitude!
Making a marriage work requires commitment from both the man and the woman
