Actions speak louder than words. You can say
you respect your husband, but he’ll have a
hard time believing that unless your behavior
backs it up.
What does respectful living look like? Here are
25 ways you can communicate respect to your
spouse without uttering a word. If you’ll make
it your habit to do these things, the next time
you tell your husband how much you respect
him, he won’t have to wonder if you really
mean it.
Choose Joy
It’s true: A happy wife makes a happy life.
Please don’t use moodiness as an attempt to
manipulate your man, but in all things rejoice,
because that’s the right thing to do. (1
Thessaonians 5:16; Philippians 4:4)
Honor His Wishes
Give weight to what your husband thinks is
important. Make those things a priority that
matter most to him, whether it’s having dinner
ready when he gets home from work or
keeping the house tidy or limiting computer
time. Don’t make him ask twice. (Philippians
2:4)
Give Him Your Undivided Attention
Yes, I know that women are masters of multi-
tasking, but when your husband is speaking to
you, make a point to lay other tasks aside, look
into his eyes, and listen to what he is saying
with the goal of understanding and
remembering his words.
Don’t Interrupt
Have you ever been around a person who
won’t let you finish a sentence? That gets old
fast. Even if you think you already know what
your husband is going to say, allowing him to
say it without cutting him off mid-sentence
shows both respect and common courtesy.
Emphasize His Good Points
Sure, he has his faults (as do you), but
dwelling on them will only make you (both)
miserable. Choose instead to focus on those
qualities in your husband that you most
admire. (Philippians 4: cool
Pray for Him
Ruth Graham advises wives to “tell your mate
the positive, and tell God the negative.” Take
your concerns to God. Faithfully lift up your
husband in prayer every day, and you will
likely notice a transformation not only in him,
but in yourself, as well. (Philipians 4:6-7; 1
Thessalonians 5:17)
Don’t Nag
Your husband is a grown man, so don’t treat
him like a two-year-old. Leave room for God to
work. You are not the Holy Spirit, so do not
try to do His job.
Be Thankful
Cultivate an attitude of gratitude. Don’t take
your husband for granted. Be appreciative for
everything he does for you, whether big or
small. Always say thank you. (1 Thessalonians
5:18; Ephesians 5:20)
Smile at Him
Smiles spread happiness. Smiles have even
been shown to create happiness. Smiles are
contagious. And a smile makes any woman
more beautiful.
Respond Physically
Did you know that the way you respond (or
don’t respond) to your husband’s romantic
overtures has a profound effect on his self-
confidence? Don’t slap him away when he tries
to hug you or make excuses when he’s in the
mood. Your enthusiastic cooperation and
reciprocation will not only assure him of your
love, but will make him feel well-respected,
too. (1 Corinthians 7:3-5)
Eyes Only for Him
Don’t compare your husband unfavorably to
other men, real or imaginary. It is neither fair
nor respectful and will only breed trouble and
discontent. Avoid watching movies or reading
books that might cause you to stumble in this
area, as well. (Psalm 19:14; Proverbs 4:23)
Kiss Him Goodbye
I once read about a study done in Germany
which found that men whose wives kissed them
goodbye every morning were more successful
than those who weren’t kissed. Success and
respect often go hand-in-hand, so be sure to
send him off right, and don’t forget to greet
him with a kiss when he returns home, for
good measure. (2 Corinthians 13:12)
Prepare His Favorite Foods
Although the rest of the family is not overly-
fond of spaghetti, my husband loves it, so I try
to make it at least two or three times a month
as a way to honor him. Next time you’re
planning meals, give special consideration to
your husband’s preferences. (Proverbs
31:14-15)
Cherish Togetherness
I love to sit near my husband, whether at
home or away. Our church shares potluck
dinners every Sunday afternoon, and although
the men and women normally sit separately to
visit, I like to position myself close enough to
my husband that I can listen to the
conversation, as I think everything he says is
so interesting. At home, I’ll take my book or
handwork to whatever room in the house he’s
working in, just to be close to him, because I
enjoy his company, even when neither of us is
talking.
Don’t Complain
Nobody wants to be around a whiner or
complainer. It is grating on the nerves.
Remember the serenity prayer: accept the
things you can’t change, courageously change
the things you can, seek wisdom to know the
difference. (Philippians 2:14)
Resist the Urge to Correct
I know one wife whose spouse can’t tell a story
without her stopping him fifteen times to
correct inconsequential details: “It wasn’t
Monday evening, it was Monday afternoon…. It
wasn’t blue, it was turquoise…. He didn’t ride
the bus, he took a shuttle.” Please. Please.
Please. Don’t ever do that to your husband —
or to anyone else, for that matter! (Proverbs
17:28)
Dress to Please Him
Take care of your appearance. Choose clothes
your husband finds flattering, both in public
and around the house.
Keep the House Tidy
To the best of your abilities, try to maintain a
clean and orderly home. Seek to make it a
haven of rest for your entire family. (Proverbs
31:27)
Be Content
Do not pressure your husband to keep up with
the Jonses. Take satisfaction in the lifestyle he
is able to provide for you. (1 Timothy 6:6-10;
Hebrews 13:5)
Take His Advice
Do not dismiss his opinions lightly, especially
when you’ve asked for his counsel in the first
place. Make every effort to follow your
husband’s advice.
Admire Him
Voiced compliments and heartfelt praise are
always welcome, but you should also make it
your habit to just look at your husband in a
respectful, appreciative way. Think kind
thoughts toward him. He’ll be able to see the
admiration in your eyes. (Luke 6:45)
Protect His Name
Honor your husband in the way you speak of
him to family and friends. Guard his reputation
and do not let minor disagreements at home
cause you to speak ill of him in public. Live in
such a way that it will be obvious to others
why your husband married you in the first
place. (Proverbs 12:4; 22:1)
Forgive His Shortcomings
In the words of Ruth Bell Graham, “A happy
marriage is the union of two good forgivers.”
Please do not hold grudges against your
husband. Do not allow a root of bitterness or
resentment find a home in your heart. Forgive
your husband freely, as Christ has forgiven
you. (Mark 11:25; Matthew 18:21-35)
Don’t Argue
You are not always right, and you do not
always have to have the last word. Be the first
to say, “I’m sorry.” Be willing to accept the
blame. It takes two to argue, so “abandon a
quarrel before it breaks out.” (Proverbs 17:14;
21:19; 25:24)
Follow His Lead
If you want your husband to lead, you must be
willing to follow. Neither a body nor a family
can function well with two heads. Learn to
defer to your husband’s wishes and let final
decisions rest with him.

And vice versa!

davno: And vice versa!

noted