Meet Your Husband’s Need for Companionship
First, read about the need for companionship if you have not done so already.
Be optimistic and cheerful when you are with him, and always speak to him in a friendly manner. Lose your habit of always having to be right in your discussions with him, and try to be pleasant instead.
Years ago my mother used to say to me, she’d say, “In this world, Elwood, you must be” – she always called me Elwood – “In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant.” Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. And you may quote me.—Jimmy Stewart in Harvey
Be cheerful
Being around a grumpy, sad, tired, pessimistic, sarcastic person drags you down. Being around a cheerful person lifts you up. Be cheerful for your mate, whatever your circumstances. You may have a long list of things that went wrong during the day, but don’t bombard him with them as soon as he walks in the door. Save your frustrations for later and then keep them in perspective, sharing the positive aspects of your life at least as much, if not more than the negative.
It is a beautiful and blessed world we live in, and while life lasts, to lose the enjoyment of it is a sin.—Talbot W. Chambers, clergyman and author
Spend time together on mutual hobbies
Find a new hobby together that you both enjoy. If it promotes physical health and beauty as well, even better. Here are some such ways to play together: aerobics, badminton, bicycling, cross-country skiing, dancing, gardening, hiking, ice skating, jogging, martial arts, mountain biking, racquetball, running, snorkeling, snow skiing, surfing, swimming, table tennis, tennis, walking, weight training.
Listen
You have two ears and one mouth. Use them proportionately. Give him a safe place to express his frustrations about work or other relationships. Don’t try to find fault with what he is saying. Let him vent and give him a chance to find his own solution. Give sympathy, not advice, unless he asks for it.
Talk his line
Make an effort once in a while to talk about things that interest him.
Play games
Board games. Choose one he can win. Get out the chips and dip and enjoy an hour or so together.
Make him laugh
Be his friend. Make him laugh. Read him the comics, or a short story by P.G. Wodehouse. Have fun together. Laughter is an ice breaker, even in marriage.
Laughter is the closest distance between two people.—Victor Borge
