I’m really talking about little acts of kindness here, not doing everything for your spouse. Here are some little ways to care for your husband that will make his life better or give him a little pick me up. You can also use these as little tips to help make your wife’s life better too!
Everyone has different love languages, but these are really great if your partner appreciates acts of service. Even if some of these aren’t immediately noticeable, most of them will make your spouse’s life easier. It’s not just doing things… If you can solve problems to make everything run smoothly, all the better!
I’m also a big fan of couples playing to their strengths. If your husband or wife is disorganized or overwhelmed, many of these little ways to show you care will make life easier.
Finally, I find that being kind helps me feel better about my relationship and keeps my own negative feelings in check. If your marriage is rocky these won’t fix anything, but if you’re just in a rough patch little “I love yous” go a long way.
Note: These are written with a variety of pronouns so do them for your husband, wife, or partner – including LGBTQ+ couples.
Small Acts of Kindness At Home
- Even if he should be picking up after himself, pick up something he forgot about without complaining.
- Complete one of her chores.
- Clean up their space, or create a space for them.
- Have a tidy home when she gets home.
- Replace any toiletries that need replacing like his toothbrush or razor.
- Surprise him with his favourite meal or dessert.
- Pick them up a small gift that will make their life better, like a new lamp or mug.
- If he works from home, tidy up his workspace.
- Tackle some pet chores, especially if they pets are more your spouse’s than yours.
- Learn how to make her favourite cocktail, fancy coffee, etc. and then make it for her.
- Get dressed up nice for your partner at home as a surprise.
Caring For Their Clothing
- If he doesn’t mind, clean his closet and organize it.
- Iron her clothes for her.
- Make sure the laundry is done and put away so they can find what they need easily.
- Create a space where she can lay out her work things in the morning to make things easier.
- Buy him something new – bonus points if it’s something his wardrobe is missing.
- Replace old socks and underwear.
Family Time
- Create time for them to spend with the kids or plan an outing for them.
- Give him a break from the kids so he can do something he wants to do.
- If she is close with his family, invite them over for a family meal, movie, or board game.
- Help them stay organized and keep track of important things, like family birthdays, if he’s not great at remembering.
- Let her sleep in “just because” while you handle everything (if you have pets or kids that are loud get them out of the house!)
Hobbies
- Show an interest in your spouse’s hobbies and ask questions.
- Buy a surprise new addition to their hobby supplies that they’ve been wishing for.
- Take him to a hobby show or event.
- Learn about his hobby (at least a little) so you can better understand/ask questions.
- Make surprise arrangements to try out a new hobby together (like a pottery class).
- If your wife likes to read, buy her a surprise book and leave it on her nightstand.
- Make a playlist of your and your husband or wife’s favourite songs so you can listen to it together at home or in the car.
- Surprise your spouse by learning something they’re interested in but they thought you’d never do; think things like a TikTok dance, singing a duet, hair styling techniques, etc.
Caring For Their Needs
- Keep their favourite snack on hand (like in your bag or car) that you can offer when they need a little something out and about.
- Watch your partner’s physical needs; grab a coffee if you see they haven’t had time for one, remind them of their lunch they forgot, notice a rough day at work and plan some relaxation, etc.
- Share an inspirational quote that you think will benefit whatever your partner is going through.
- Listen actively.
- Randomly offer a foot rub or back massage “just because your love them”.
Other Small Acts of Kindness For Your Spouse
- Hide love notes around the house.
- Compliment them, especially on something they’ve been working hard on or need encouragement with.
- Charge up his devices for him.
- Clean out, wash, or detail her car.
- Make sure their travel mug and lunch containers are cleaned daily.
- Pack a lunch for him.
- Plan a date for the two of you.
- Do something together at home that she likes doing: eg. watching her favourite show.
- Send them an unexpected love email or text.
- Run him or her a bath (get it ready all nice) as a surprise.
- Send your husband or wife a song that made you think of them.
- Give them a framed picture of the two of you together.
- Drive your spouse to work so you can spend a few minutes together in the morning.
- Have flowers, cookies, Uber Eats, or something else they’ll like delivered to their home or office as a surprise.
- Randomly give hugs and kisses, especially if one of their love languages is physical touch.
If I’m honest, part of the reason I wanted to write this list was for myself. I need these reminders! It’s so easy for me to get wrapped up in the housework, kids, and work that I forget to remind my partner how much I care about him.
I should also note here that you don’t have to do all these things all the time. Life is already exhausting enough! Just if you want to do a little something extra to make your spouse’s life easier.