Being a husband can be a very daunting task. With so many responsibilities and so many things to remember – how will we ever get it right? Let’s go back to the basics and remind ourselves of the fundamental responsibilities we have to our wives.
So husbands, what do your wives expect from you? Here is a short, but thorough list I discovered that actually makes sense and is well worth implementing if you’re not already doing so.
1. Trustworthiness. Being trustworthy means you are who you say you are. That is, you are authentic … the real deal. It also means you will always speak the truth and don’t keep secrets from your wife. Susan knows I don’t keep secrets from her. I’m always “open for inspection.” For example, Susan knows my computer password and can access it any time to see what I am reading and looking at. She can also see my calendar at any time. Susan can also pick up my Smartphone any time to read my texts and emails and check out what kind of music I’m listening to.
Being trustworthy also means that you’ll do what you say you’ll do … that your wife can “take it to the bank,” so to speak. For example, if you tell her you’ll pick up some milk on the way home, make a note to remind yourself to do it. Don’t forget and dismiss it as not being important.
2. Faithfulness. You’re certain you’d never give yourself physically to another woman … but what about mentally and emotionally? Even if you don’t go looking for porn, do you let your eyes and thoughts wander when something or someone alluring comes into view? Just for a moment or two?
Faithfulness isn’t just about what you don’t or won’t do. It’s about what you do to make sure that commitment is honored.
When paying a woman a compliment, make it about the woman’s hair or clothes, not directly about her.
3. Provision. In our homes, we have a clear responsibility to provide for the physical needs of our wife and children. That means that we must work and earn money to provide for those needs. That doesn’t necessarily mean we have to be the sole breadwinner. Many couples both have jobs these days. If that’s so, where and how are we helping in other areas of home life?
By the way, don’t think that putting a paycheck on the counter covers it all either. In addition to financial and physical needs, we must also support our family emotionally and spiritually.
4. Protection. Chivalry may not be dead, but it’s in poor health. For me, the growing lack of gentlemanliness in society is a worry. Opening a door for a woman or walking on her outside in the street are marks of respect.
We live in a dangerous world: Someone is sexually assaulted every 107 seconds. Your wife and your children need to feel safe and protected—and not just physically. You may have a home security system to guard against burglars. But what about other kinds of “home invasion,” like harmful media? Are you on the alert for your wife and family?
5. Leadership. Some people get a bit bent out of shape over this one, but a man is called to lead his family. A man who loves his family well will lead his family well. When a man’s wife and children know that he always has their best interests at heart, they’ll follow him. Love is leadership’s unseen essential.
6. An attitude of servitude. This is the antidote to the previous leader thing getting out of whack. As leaders, we should not look to be served but to serve in our homes. What does that look like in your home? How are you serving your wife and children? What are you doing to ensure that they are becoming all they can?
Being a servant means that the world does not revolve around you. That her needs and desires, their needs and desires, take precedence over your planned fishing trip, your golf game or your night out with your buddies. When they know they are important, they will follow you.
7. Sexual intimacy. It’s easy to think that sexual intimacy is only a priority for guys, but it’s important for women too, though perhaps in a slightly different way. Women derive physical pleasure too, of course, but there is also a big emotional component. Your pursuit demonstrates that she is desired and delighted in, that she is still the one. It is also an active expression of your faithfulness. So don’t look at your neighbors’ lawn; instead, take the time to water your own grass, so that it’s the greenest it can be.
Credits: Edited // www.charismamag.com