Love

20 Tiny But Powerful Things Men Do That Make Them The BEST Husbands

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Thank your lucky stars that your man is this awesome.

While being a great husband doesn't involve rocket science, it does take continued effort.

The task doesn't always come naturally for many men  Sometimes it can be quite confusing trying to figure out what really is the right thing to do to take care of a wife and keep her happy.

To help you out (or to help you identify the good man in your life), here's a list of 20 small things that can make a big difference in your relationship.

1. They notice the little changes.

A man who will make a great long-term partner or husband pays attention to the little things. 

He not only notices when she changed her hair or uses different lipstick but also when she hasn’t seen or talked about one of her friends in a while or done an activity that she has enjoyed.

2. They give tiny but meaningful gifts.

A gift doesn’t have to cost much — or even anything — to be a powerful statement that he is thinking about her and will help to build a stronger bond.

3. They say 'thank you'.

Saying 'thank you' for the little things that are done — stopping at the store, taking care of the kids, or doing the laundry shows thoughtfulness and care that will bring you closer.

Related: 5 DEEP Reasons To Do The Hard Work Of Building A Blissfully Happy Marriage

4. They offer to help.

A common complaint from wives is that their man just doesn’t see what is going on and how she could use a hand in taking care of things. An offer to help will open her heart to him.

5. They know how to listen.

A woman often needs to talk about her day, an experience or how she feels about something and needs him to hear her whole story without trying to talk her out of how she feels or trying to solve a problem for her.

6. They know how to take 'no' for an answer when necessary.

Sometimes she just is NOT in the mood for whatever it is he is trying to talk her into. 

Further pushing may cause her to back away. A man needs to show respect for her 'NO' and check to see if it is possible to get a rain check.

7. They will plan an entire date night on their own.

Amaze her with a night out that is completely planned in advanced, and score big points — especially if childcare is taken care of as part of the package.

8. They remember the things she likes.

She can really be endeared to her husband if he pays attention to the things she likes — whether it is an item of clothing, a piece of jewelry, a food item, or a place to eat. 

Listen to the big and little hints that she gives, and show her you got it.

9. They organize a break just for her.

She will remember the times he thought ahead and planned a break for her. 

It could be as simple as a quiet bath with candles and a glass of wine all prepared for her when she comes in the door, or the treat of a morning to sleep in while the kids are taken care of, or a complete day to spend as she wants — while he covers the bases for her.

10. They pay nice compliments.

It is heartwarming for her to hear compliments on the way she looks, on how cute she is in that new sweater, or how she parents the children, or how much you liked a meal that she prepared.11. They leave notes.

Texting and email are great ways of staying in touch, but there is still a lot of heartfelt emotion in a handwritten note or card that expresses gratitude, love, and affection for a wife.

12. They hand-deliver a cup of coffee.

Getting out of bed first and bringing a cup of coffee or tea just the way she likes it is a perfect way to start the day by expressing that you care for her.

13. They recognize when she is having a bad day and take care of her.

A great husband knows his wife well enough to know if and when she is having a really bad day, and he steps up to do extra caring things to take care of and comfort her.

14. They fix things that need fixing.

Most households have things that need to be fixed once in a while. Even if you don't know exactly how to fix it, regularly making the effort to keep things in running order — or finding someone who can, speaks clearly about your interesting in taking care of her.

15. They jump in to help without an attitude or being asked, from time to time.

She will share it with her friends because it means so much to her when you make the effort to jump in and help without expressing a negative attitude and without being asked.

16. They tell her how they are doing inside.

As a man and his marriage relationship mature, he knows that intimacy with his wife deepens as he learns to open himself up and let her in.

17. They open the door.

Common courtesy goes a long way in making a woman feel loved and adored.

18. They step in to provide protection when needed.

As a man gets to know the woman he loves, he learns the types of situations in which she is likely to feel vulnerable and unsafe.

He will do what is necessary to let her know he has her back in whatever way she needs it.

19. They know how to say “I am sorry.”

Even in the best relationships, people still hurt each other. The hurt may have been intentional or not, but a loving husband learns how to recognize when he has hurt his wife and says he is sorry.

He will do what needs to be done to repair the relationship.

20. They kiss you.

A great husband continues to show affection and kiss his wife throughout the life of their relationship.

Take good care of her and she will take good care of you!

Dr. David McFadden is a couple's counselor and relationship coach at DavidAndDebbieMcFadden.com. His marriage advice has appeared in YourTango, Marriage, HuffingtonPost, and Better Life Magazine. To learn more about how to improve your marriage and fall back in love again, please visit David online today.