Ever had those moments when you sheepishly admit you don’t know how to do something you should know how to do? I recently had a client do this when she admitted she struggles with showing affection to her husband and kids. It didn’t come naturally to her because she was raised in a family that didn’t show much affection. She needed to be taught how to find little moments of touch.
Small gestures can have a big ripple effect on your relationships, especially your marriage. When we show affection to our husbands, they feel noticed, respected, and desired. Showing affection doesn’t have to be complicated or over-the-top. Little things go a long way. But if you’re like my client and it doesn’t come naturally, here are 20 simple ways to show your husband affection. Try one or two today and see how he responds.
Showing affection doesn't have to be complicated or over-the-top. Little things go a long way. Click To Tweet- Initiate a kiss—and make it last longer than five seconds.
- Sit close to him on the couch. Touch produces oxytocin, the “love hormone,” which is good for both of you.
- Emotional affection counts, too. Post a favorite pic of him to Instagram or Facebook and in the caption, list lots of reasons you’re grateful for him.
- Create a playlist of songs that remind you of milestones in your relationship, like your wedding song or a song from the first movie you saw together.
- Initiate sex—the way he wishes you would. If your life is too chaotic for sex, here are some ways to make it work.
- Send him an unexpected text to tell him what you admire in him.
- Rub his shoulders when he’s stressed.
- Scratch his back.
- Leave him a note where he’d not expect to find one—maybe even make it a scavenger hunt.
- Buy him a simple gift that says you know him and are thinking of him—his favorite gum, coffee, or candy bar.
- Smile at him when he’s not expecting it, from across an aisle at a grocery store or from across a room at a party.
- Curl up next to him in bed and rest your head on his chest.
- Tell him why you are proud of him.
- Check him out from head to toe and be sure he catches you doing it.
- Kiss him on the head as you walk by him sitting in the living room.
- Write him a love letter.
- Invite him to play with you—have a Nerf gun war or snowball fight.
- Ask him to take a break from weekend chores and use that time just to be still together.
- Start and end the day with a kiss.
- Participate in his favorite hobby when he asks you to—and don’t complain if you don’t like it.
These are simple and just take you being intentional. Most don’t cost a thing! So ladies, show your husband you notice him today.
How does your husband like you to show affection?
