Kindness in action

There are so many different ways to be kind to your spouse.

Here are some really practical ways that we show kindness in our house:

• Pack lunches. Everyone needs to eat lunch, but the very act of packing lunch with care is a kindness. Slip in lunchtime favorites or a quick note to turn up the kind factor. This leads us right into…
• Say thank you. A simple “thank you” goes a long way. Don’t feel pressure to make huge show of appreciation.
• Compliment your spouse. On a related note, share something kind you overheard someone way about your spouse. This will be extra special if words of affirmation is your spouse’s love language!
• Ask if your spouse needs anything. It’s easy to make a quick call to say, “I’m stopping by the store on my way home. Can I get you anything?”
• While you’re out, pick up something your spouse loves, it could be flowers, their favorite ice cream, a small item, anything. This will be especially meaningful if your spouse’s love language is gifts!
• Do your spouse’s least favorite chore.
• Make your spouse’s favorite meal.
• Using your spouse’s car? Top off the gas. Clem is GREAT at doing this one and it’s always appreciated 🙂
• Assuming your extended family are all on good terms, call your spouse’s parents. It will mean a lot for all of you!
• If you share an electronic calendar, add an appointment that reminds your spouse you love them. They’ll get a nice surprise when the alert pops up.
• Let each other know we’re thinking about each other. When there’s a snow squall, we’ll text one another to say “look outside!” When a meme makes us laugh, we share it. Small things can make a big difference.

Build habits of love and kindness into your home.

It can sometimes be easier to be kind to a stranger than it is to be kind to your spouse. This is especially true when things aren’t going well in your marriage. Work on building these simple acts of kindness into habits. You’ll find that you’re creating a culture of kindness for your family. H

Conversation starters

1. What is one thing your spouse loves to do? Can you do it with him or her OR can you make it possible for him or her to do it more often?
2. What is one thing your spouse doesn’t enjoy doing? Is that something that you can do for him or her?
3. What are somethings that you can do to make life a little easier for your spouse?