Five Secret High-Impact Words and Phrases for Husbands

Want to make a greater impression on your wife and improve your marriage? Learn these five words and phrases by heart and use them generously. They will have an immediate and powerful effect. They would have even cheered up Queen Victoria, who always seemed pretty unhappy to me.  Of course, using them seriously will end up costing you, but there’s no such thing as a free lunch. Besides, the payback will far outweigh the expense.

1. “Now.”

“I will make that call now.”
“I will schedule that job now.
“In fact, I will run down to the store now and get the stuff I need.”
“I will pick up those clothes now.”

The last thing your wife wants to hear is another lame excuse for doing something later. Chances are that the particular chore in question has stared you in the face far too long anyway. When you say “now”, however, you send a message that her desires jump to the head of the things-to-do list. First, the immediate response satisfies the urgency of the need. Second, stopping whatever you’re doing and turning your attention to the task at hand conveys the feeling of priority to her. And, under normal circumstances, acting now rather than later invites a warm and grateful feeling in return.

2. “What else?”

After you’ve completed a certain task for your wife, take the time to ask her what else you can do. Think about it. You are there; you are ready; you are in a mood to accomplish something. While it may not be the most convenient time, it will certainly be more convenient than coming back some other time. Most important, her esteem for you will skyrocket because you are truly focusing on her needs, wants and welfare. Remember, Jesus taught us to give the cloak as well as the coat and to go the second mile. Doing the minimum has no place in a Christian’s conduct and attitude. When you do more than asked or expected, you invest into immense good will and gratitude.

3. “What do you think?”

It galls some men to admit that someone else, especially their spouse, may have a better idea. Nothing is more damaging to your relationship, however, than to continually override or ignore input from your wife. When you ask her what she thinks about something, you show that you are not the megalomaniac that she has perhaps accused you of being from time to time (in her honest moments.) And—-perish the thought—-your wife actually may have a better idea! She certainly will have a different perspective than you, and she may know some additional facts about the situation that you lack.

4. “I’ll try.”

When you’re asked to do something that you feel incapable of doing, don’t cover it up by talking big about your abilities. When you say, “I’ll try,” you show that your spirit is willing, although your flesh may be weak. You are not expected to be able to do everything, but you can give it your best shot. The value in that kind of attitude shows up in the impact it has on your marriage relationship. You can at least try.

5. “Just you.”

“I just want to be with you.” “I just want to know what you want (think, like, feel). For your spouse, those words have almost as much meaning and positive value as “I love you” does. They demonstrate respect and high esteem. They underscore the fact that you have an exclusive relationship with her and her alone. Your wife will do almost anything for you when you show this kind of spirit toward her.

Great relationships are not based on complicated strategies, but on simple, down-to-earth attitudes. Your marriage can show marked improvement by using these simple suggestions. It’s worth trying.