Let Me Tell You a Little Story

The husband & I have this little game we play.  He will say "I Love You" & I will say it back.  Then he'll say it again & I'll say, "tell me something you love".  This works both ways of course- but we often take the time to tell the other exactly what we love about them.

Seriously.  How adorable are we, right?!?

Last night, I asked the husband to tell me something he loves about me.  Normally it's the same kind of stuff (you take care of me, you're my best friend, you are kind etc) but last night...last night it made me want to cry.

Here's what he had to say-

"I love the changes you are making to our food and the way we live.  I love that you care enough to make it a priority.  I love what you're doing for us."

And you guys....I just....I can't even....IT.  WAS.  AWESOME.  That last part was my favorite.  I love what you're doing for us.  As a wife and a mother- it just doesn't get any better then this. It just doesn't.

Because let's face it, it's been a struggle.  Changing the way my family eats, reducing our meat consumption, eating more vegan dishes, more whole foods, not buying the junk and processed crap anymore- yeah, you could say there's been some battles.  I never thought I would get to a point where my husband would thank me for all that I'm doing.  Sure, I knew I would hear less complaining but to actually have him understand and appreciate all the work I'm doing- it's simply an amazing feeling.

So I want you to walk away from this little story with two things.

#1- That saying "I Love You" often is great but telling your spouse what you love about them, is even better.  Hearing them explain what it is about you that they love is just seriously some pretty good stuff.  Not too mention, very love affirming.  Yeah- I just made that up.  Love affirming mmkay...

#2- Hang in there.  My boys fought the good fight when it came to our food and lifestyle changes.  But here we are years later and they are thanking me for all that I'm doing.  They get it.  They really, really get it.

And that's it.  The end.

Affection in Marriage

Showing affection in your marriage should be a top priority for you.  If you have kids or will be welcoming children in the future- it is equally important that your children are a witness to your affection for your spouse.

Be the type of wife who kisses her husband in the kitchen.  Who holds hands while walking through the mall.  The kind of wife who cuddles on the couch or plays footsie's while watching a movie.  Touch your husband in a warm and loving manner.  A caress on his arm, a hug around his neck, a silly pat on his butt.  Grab his face, look him in the eyes and kiss him.

And do this all in front of your children.

Why?

Because children will become what they see.  If they witness how very much their parents love each other, they will one day show this affection to their own spouses.  They will model your behavior and will come to understand what a healthy and normal, loving marriage looks like.

Our son sees my husband and I kissing all the time.  Seriously- All.  The.  Time.

Never underestimate the importance of giving your spouse your love and affection.  By doing this you are not only showing your husband how much you love him, you are also showing your children what it means to show love.  Be generous and affectionate with your feelings and it will be returned to you twofold.