Sometimes we wives can be so wrapped up in our house duties, jobs, or child-rearing that the husband takes a backseat in our attentions. But your man needs loving just as much– and often more than– that job, the baby, and the laundry! A man needs to feel needed, and thrives when his wife shows respect for him. There’s a tendency in our modern age to focus on the needs of the woman. Women certainly do have needs! But so do the men! Here are some ideas to help you kindle that relationship. The nice thing about it is that the man, when loved and respected, will return the love and respect to his wife. So it’s a win-win situation!

Here are ten easy ways to spoil your husband. Be flexible, too. Just the fact that you pay attention to his likes and dislikes will warm his heart. Remember how you like to be treated, and do likewise!

1. Praise him publicly. Never mock him or ridicule him publicly.
2. Cook a nice dinner at least three times a week. Know what his favorite recipes are, and serve them frequently.
3. Tidy the house before he comes home from work. Wipes the kids’ faces, perk some coffee. Make his homecoming a big deal.
4. When he comes home from work, greet him at the door if you can. Don’t ask him how was his day, but let him shake off the cares in his good time. Offer him coffee or a snack.
5. When he’s feeling particularly stressed out, take the kids out of the house to a park for a while, so he can have some alone “down time.”
6. When he offers some advice or an opinion, don’t dismiss it, even if it isn’t very helpful. Consider his input as you would like him to consider yours.
7. Wear neat, clean clothes and dress up from time to time– just for him.
8. Create a special room or a special area just for him and his hobby. Even if it is an armchair with a lamp and some magazines, make a place that is “his” and do not allow the children in that area.
9. Do not overspend the budget.
10. If you are a stay-at-home mom, don’t make him get up for baby’s nighttime feedings. You can get a nap during the day; he works all day and suffers more from lack of sleep.

Every husband is different, so be creative. Sometimes we can put so much emphasis on a new barbecue grill or an HDTV that we forget the more meaningful things. But it’s the meaningful things make the material gifts all the more precious!