5 Ways to Express Gratitude to Your Husband

For some women, saying thank you is not easy, including to their own husbands. Many people were raised in or live in environments that do not have the habit of expressing appreciation to others. Then, when they marry, they feel awkward, embarrassed, or reluctant to say thank you to their spouse.

In reality, expressions of thanks are not only about words. Besides saying it directly, showing gratitude through actions is also important. This is an expression of respecting your husband. When giving thanks, a wife is actually applying God's word in Ephesians 5:33b: "... and let the wife respect her husband."

Apply the following five tips to build the habit of thanking your husband:

1. Be Thankful for the Little Things

You do not need to wait until your husband does something big before thanking him, for example when he buys you an expensive gift or takes you on a trip abroad. 

Even when your husband does something small, such as taking out the trash, scrubbing the bathroom, or changing the bed sheets, keep thanking him. Housework is indeed a shared responsibility, but in reality, not many husbands are willing to step in. Some think taking care of the home is the wife's duty; the husband only needs to work and earn a living. 

When your husband bathes the child, changes a diaper, or prepares milk, say thank you. Raising children is the collective responsibility of parents. However, quite a few men were raised with the mindset that the mother's role should be greater in this matter. 

For every little thing he does that helps you, say thank you. By appreciating your husband's small changes or actions, you encourage him to carry out his role more joyfully. 

2. Do Not Delay Saying Thank You to Your Husband

Do not wait for a special time to say thank you, for example during his birthday celebration or your wedding anniversary . You may end up forgetting because you planned it for too long. It is better to express your gratitude on the spot—right then, when you want to do it.

Delaying this good habit carries the risk that you may never get to say it at all, because we never know what will happen tomorrow. Even though you feel happy about what your husband did, and he is also curious about how you feel or what you think about his actions, because both of you keep it inside, those feelings are never conveyed and remain stuck in the heart.

If saying thank you makes you both feel relieved and happy, why delay it?

3. Express It in a Creative

Way If you still find it hard or awkward to say thank you to your spouse, try another way. For example, through a card you write yourself. In this instant age, when people only need to type and send messages through a chattingapp, you choose to express thanks in handwriting. This will surely leave a deeper impression on your husband's heart. 

Express your gratitude specifically on the card. Perhaps your husband has faithfully taken care of you when you were sick, given support when you felt down at work, or stayed up late with you to help care for your newborn child.

Put the card somewhere your husband can easily find it. For example, place it in the fold of his shirt, put it in his work drawer, or slip it inside his Bible. His heart will surely be delighted when he finds and reads your card. 

Besides sharpening your creativity, this method can become a bridge for you to begin the habit of giving thanks. In time, your awkwardness will surely lessen.

4. Add a Touch When You Say It

Perhaps you and your husband met in your 20s or 30s, but then he became the closest person to you forever. He knows you more than your parents and siblings do. With him, you go through storm after storm of life, and share all kinds of feelings and emotions.

When you thank your husband, hold his hand, stroke his face (the face that will grow old with you), or give him a warm hug.  Your touch will be an affirmation of how deep your gratitude is for his presence in your life.

5. Respect Your Husband, Whatever the Circumstances

Speaking respectfully to your husband is one form of gratitude. No husband is perfect, just as no wife is perfect. Choosing a husband comes as a package deal: with all his strengths and weaknesses. After all, living together is not always about love and happiness, but also the potential for conflict and disagreement. 

Suppose your husband's bad habit is carelessly putting things down. Dirty socks lie in front of the door; toothpaste is smeared on the bathroom floor; a wet towel is thrown on the bed. Do things like these spoil your mood?  

If so, take a deep breath. Calm yourself first. There are still many other things you can be thankful for in him than this small annoying matter. After you are calm, adjust your tone of voice and facial expression, then say, "Dear, it seems these dirty socks would be better placed in the laundry basket."

This is far better than your nagging: "Oh dear, how many times have I said it, dirty socks need to go in the laundry basket. You always forget!"

The more you attack him, the more your husband will forget, or even ignore your nagging. If left alone, this can create tension in your relationship.

She opens her mouth with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. – Proverbs 31:26

Take time to talk about your feelings and your hopes to your husband. Choose a time when you are not fighting, not in a bad mood, so that you can speak gently. Your husband will also be helped if you express your feelings well. Even while talking about a weakness, he feels that you still respect him. 

Saying thank you only takes a few seconds, but it has a big impact on your marriage You may feel awkward at first because you are not used to it yet, but start doing it and enjoy the benefits. Enjoy a relationship that is more delightful!

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