In other articles, we've talked about not keeping score in your marriage.
However, there is often an internal debate with husbands and wives that if she would only stop nagging him, he would fulfill her every need, and visa versa.
Are you waiting for your spouse to change before you are willing to do your part? Then once you do your part, are you only willing to continue if you see your spouse adjust accordingly? No one should tolerate an abusive spouse, but if you are regularly focusing on perceived faults of your spouse or personality failures (how they "should be" or how they "should act"), you are not really valuing them as a person along with the attributes they have been given.
Remember, if you don't build up your spouse, who will? If they fail and you aren't there to help them through a crisis, who will? (In fact, a crisis is a wonderful opportunity to solidify your marriage and what you truly stand for.
This is why I have interviewed so many successful couples who have been through extremely difficult circumstances.
) Since wives are prone to nagging, try to be the sweet voice your husband longs to come home to, the one who praises his strengths and encourages his dreams.
Make him miss you the minute he backs out of the driveway.
Husbands, keep your focus and priority on your wife.
Be aware of her needs.
Praise her beauty and her skill.
Listen to her concerns.
Be affectionate.
Put your computer and phone down when she's sharing her day or her struggles.
Put effort into your marriage, not monthly but daily.
Forgive when you've had a bumpy day and try again tomorrow.
Work together through adversity.
If these acts seem too difficult given your current conflicts, it's time to see a marriage counselor.
What are the small actions you can take that will make a big difference in your relationship? What are you waiting for?