Notice and Do Something

I know...you've read the marriage books. All the authors said "schedule a date night" – "take your wife out to dinner and a movie" – "plan alone time, without the kids" – fair enough, I get all of that.

But sir, your wife is going to need a bit more than dinner and a movie.

She is going to need you to NOTICE!

• NOTICE when she is overworked and overwhelmed.
• NOTICE when the kids have worn her out.
• NOTICE when 3 days have gone by, and she's so flustered because she hasn't had a break.

And then—after you've noticed—do something about it.

And by "do something about it" – I don't mean – give yourself a sticker for being observant.

By "do something about it" – I do mean – play with the kids outside for 45 minutes so she can get some quiet time. Fix dinner and clean up afterward so she gets a break. Get the kids ready for bed, so she can unwind. Prove to her that you're there to help her by doing something!

Don't just NOTICE the laundry needs folding. Get up and do something, like – fold the laundry! And fold it without wanting credit.

If you show her that her needs and emotions matter, even when they are the mundane day-t0-day tasks, then you've figured out how to romance your wife.

To the young man that is newly married, get a hold of this: Life should be lighter, not heavier, for your wife now that she's married to you!

Remember: dinner and movie is one night. Marriage is every day, all day. And every day she's managing the schedules and emotions and expectations of the kids.

The date nights do matter. But the Tuesday afternoon when your wife is at the end of her rope, step in and do something without her having to ask you.

Love is an action word. Put it into action every single day. And a great way to build a strong marriage is to notice and do something.