How To Make Your Wife Happy

I have been married nearly 18 years now. I am not an expert on marriage by any means, but I can assure you that both my wife and myself plan on being happily married another 18 years, and another 18 after that. Here are some things that I would highly recommend you should give your wife:

• A hug. Give your wife a hug, and often, for no apparent reason. Here's how you do it: Approach her when she is not carrying a cup full of scalding hot coffee or tea, wrap your arms around her, and hug her like you did when you dated.
• An inexpensive gift or flowers, given for no specific event or holiday. A $5 bargain bouquet will do, or your wife's favorite candy or other inexpensive item.
• A thank you for whatever she is doing, be it fixing a meal, working at a job, or taking care of the baby.
• An assurance of commitment. Let her know that she is part of your long range plans. Also, take care to assure her that no other woman is. I might be a little old fashioned, but I will not so much as have lunch or share something as innocent as a trip to the store with another woman, unless absolutely required to do so as part of my job (and then I let my wife know I was required to do so). Old fashioned, yes. But it works for me. Oh, and my wife is "old fashioned" that way too. As you might guess, we never have any problems with jealousy.
• Carefully spoken words. When angry, cool off a bit before speaking. Hastily spoken hurtful words can fester for years. Silence can be golden, at times.
• A break. If your wife is taking care of the kids, take over regularly and let her do what she wants with her friends.

These are simple ideas but I think they are important. And, these simple, yet powerful "gifts" are often overlooked in today's marriages. If you know a young couple that could benefit from this advice, pass it on.