Day 24: to a Great Marriage - Give Gifts

Hi everyone!

How did Day 23 -- Touch, go? Keep it up, because the results are nothing but good, even if doing it more is awkward at first.

Today's focus is...

DAY 24: TO A GREAT MARRIAGE - Give Gifts

Following on the theme of the 5 Love Languages we talked about on Day 7, Day 14 and yesterday, and you can hear my interview Dr. Gary Chapman on my radio (see 2/14/11) about his book(s) on the 5 Love Languages....today the focus is on Giving Gifts.

For some people, those with this love language, receiving gifts makes them feel most loved.

Let's stop here for a minute and think about what we've been talking about regarding the love languages in case you haven't read the book(s). In a nut shell, for a myriad of reasons each individual 'feels' most loved by expressions of love that 'speak their love language.' It could be that his family 'spoke' that language to him; or it could be that they didn't in which case there is a deficit...which you can be a part of filling. Whatever the reason(s), what's most important is that you learn your spouse's love language and speak it to them, often.

Dr. Chapman goes into great detail on why and how it all works, and I highly recommend reading his books on the subject, or listening to his podcasts on it, or getting his DVDs.

So, today give your hubby a gift...something he would like, big or small. And include a note, "For no reason other than I love you."

Whether Receiving Gifts is his love language or not, the results can't be anything but good :)

Day 9: to a Great Marriage - Take Time for Yourself

The Happy Wives Club has a board on Pinterest on "21 Days to a Happier You" you might want to check out, because it relates to today's suggestion to Take Time for Yourself.

But first, did you do it? Day 8 -- Carve your initials on a Tree. Hopefully you are able to follow along day by day and do as many as possible on the day of the suggestion. If not, just keep a little list of the things you have yet to do on your path to a Great Marriage!

Today...

DAY 9: TO A GREAT MARRIAGE - Take Time for Yourself

That's right! The old saying, (and life principle) "Ain't nobody happy if mama ain't happy," is true. YOU aee the primary mood setter for your home. And, well...

Now, it's obvious that everyone else in the family can and does effect the atmosphere and attitudes of others, but you have the incredible power to set the stage the mood of your home. And in order to do that, you have to take care of yourself.

You do so much for everyone else, but just like on airplanes when they tell us, in case of an emergency, to put the oxygen mask on ourselves first and then on our children, you have to take care of yourself, and this means taking (making) time to do the things you love to do, that you are interested in, that helps relieve the stresses of life. 

So, beginning today, set aside at least 30 minutes, more is better, to 'pamper' yourself in some way. It may simple be sitting outside with a cup of coffee enjoying the beauty; getting your nails done; trying a new make-up look; soaking in the tub, or whatever you like. Try to do something for yourself every day, or at least a couple of times a week, even if it's a little thing.

It's amazing the power that doing a little something for yourself can have to improve your outlook and mood...and the atmosphere in our home...and our relationships.

Oh, and by the way, The Happy Wives Club is looking for 1 Million Happy Wives to help change the tone about marriage around the world...you might want to join :)