Research shows people whose spouses did thoughtful things for them were the happiest with their relationships. Here are 11 ideas.
1. Throw a “Just-for-Him” Item into Your Cart
(men tend to have less sensitivity to bitterness than women do), the hot sauce only he can handle or goat-milk ice cream only he’ll only like…. you know what your spouse likes!
2. Write Him Secret Messages
Scribble a note on the steamed-up bathroom mirror. It’ll fade by the time you leave but will reappear when he emerges from his own shower. He’ll be touched by your thoughtfulness, and impressed by your Jane Bond—like cunning.
3. Don’t Pick Everything Up
Leave things you know he’ll like—a witty cartoon (bonus if it references one of your inside jokes), an anticipated Netflix DVD, a bottle of wine you received as a gift—out in the open, where he’ll feel he discovered them.
4. Read Him a Story
When it’s his turn to do chores and yours to relax, read a newspaper or magazine aloud to him. It will take his mind off washing dishes and allow you to get through that monster New Yorker article.
5. Forget About His Dirty Socks
Put a pair of clean ones in the dryer in the morning so he’ll have something toasty to slip into (you could throw a pair of boxers in, too).
