11 tips on how to be a better wife and have a happy marriage

You don't have to be the perfect wife to have a happy marriage. In fact, trying to be perfect can actually be detrimental to your relationship. What matters most is that you are always striving to be the best wife you can be. In this article, we'll give you some tips on how to be a better wife.

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Let us begin with what this article is not about: It is not about how to make your life partner a better person! It is not about how to be the perfect wife or how to change yourself into some ideal version of what you think a wife should be.

This article is about how to be a better wife for yourself. How to be the best version of yourself that you can be - in and outside of your marriage. Because when you are the best version of yourself, you will naturally be a better wife!

Here are simple steps on how to be a better wife:

1. Communicate openly with your partner

1. Communicate openly with your partner

Communication in marriage is key. You need to be able to communicate with your partner openly and honestly about everything – the good, the bad, and the ugly. That’s what makes a successful marriage.

It’s important to have those tough conversations when things aren’t going well, but it’s just as important to celebrate the good times together. This is how you grow as a couple and build a strong foundation for your marriage.

If you have trouble communicating with your partner, there are plenty of resources available to help you. Marriage counselors, books, and even online articles give you the tools you need to improve your communication skills.

2. Be supportive of your partner

You don’t have to agree with everything your partner does, but it’s important to be supportive. In a healthy marriage, both partners need to feel like they can rely on each other.

If your partner is going through a tough time, be there for them. Listen to them, offer advice if they want it, and just be a shoulder to cry on if that’s what they need.

If your partner is working on a project or pursuing a goal, offer your support. Encourage them and help them however you can.

3. Spend quality time with your partner

3. Spend quality time with your partner

The strains of life can make it hard to find time for each other, but quality time is utterly important in any relationship. Make sure to schedule regular date nights, even if it’s just once a month.

Take turns planning fun activities that you can do together. It can be something as simple as going for a hike or exploring a new city. The important thing is that you’re spending time together and reconnecting on a regular basis.

4. Be affectionate toward your partner

Show your affection to your partner, even when you’re both busy with everyday life and not feeling particularly lovey-dovey. Give each other a kiss goodbye in the morning, cuddle on the sofa while watching TV, or hold hands when you’re out for a walk. Small gestures like this keep your relationship close.

It’s not just about the big things. It’s the small things that you do for each other that make a difference too. Whether it’s making them breakfast in bed, taking the dog for a walk when they’re extra busy at work, or running them a bath after a long day – it all adds up and makes them feel loved and appreciated.

5. Be intimate with your partner

5. Be intimate with your partner

Intimacy is an important part of any marriage. It’s not just about sex, although that is definitely a part of it. Intimacy is about being close to your partner in all ways – emotionally, mentally, and physically.

Make time for each other, even when you’re busy. Intimacy in marriage is something that needs to be nurtured and worked on, and it’s not going to happen if you don’t make time for it.

6. Give your partner space

It’s important to have your own hobbies and interests outside of your marriage. It gives you a chance to recharge your batteries and come back to your relationship refreshed and ready to give your partner the attention they deserve.

It’s also important to give your partner personal space to pursue their own hobbies and interests. They need time to themselves, just like you do.

7. Be willing to compromise

7. Be willing to compromise

In any relationship, there will be times when you have to compromise. Marriage is no different. You and your partner are two individuals with your own needs and wants. There will be times when you have to give up something that you want in order to make your partner happy.

It’s important to remember that compromise is a two-way street. If you’re always the one making sacrifices, it’s not going to be a healthy marriage. Both partners need to be willing to give and take.

8. Be honest with your partner

Honesty is one of the most important things in any relationship. You need to be able to trust your partner, and that starts with being honest with each other.

Even if it’s something small, like a white lie about why you’re late for work, honesty is always the best policy. If you get caught in a lie, it will only damage your relationship and make it harder to trust each other.

9. Don’t hold grudges

9. Don't hold grudges

It’s normal to get upset with your partner from time to time. But it’s important to try to resolve your differences and move on. Holding a grudge will only make things worse.

If you can’t seem to let go of something, talk to your partner about it. If you still can’t let it go, maybe it’s time to seek professional help. The longer you wait to tell your partner how you feel, the harder it will be to resolve the issue.

10. Appreciate your partner

It’s easy to take your partner for granted, especially if you’ve been together for a long time. The best thing you can do for your relationship is to take a step back and appreciate all the things your partner does for you.

It doesn’t have to be a big gesture. A simple “thank you” or “I love you” goes a long way. Let your partner know how much you appreciate them, and watch your beautiful relationship blossom.

11. Be yourself

11. Be yourself

Be yourself! Your partner fell in love with you for a reason, so don’t change who you are to try to please them. They’ll love you even more for being the amazing, unique person you are.

You shouldn’t have to change who you are to please your partner. If they love you, they will love you for who you are.

Of course, that doesn’t mean you should stop trying to improve yourself. We all have room for growth. Just make sure you’re doing it for yourself and not to please your partner.

If you put even just a few of these into practice, we’re sure you’ll see a difference in your relationship. Do you need more help? Head over to our marriage advice guide.

Author picture of Amy Clark
Relationship Expert

Amy Clark

Amy Clark is a freelance writer who writes about relationships, marriage, and family. She has been happily married for over ten years and loves her husband and three kids. Before …

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