Be More Giving in Your Relationship—Without Feeling like a Maid

Photo: Thinkstock
Photo: Thinkstock

By Corrie Pikul

Research shows people whose spouses did thoughtful things for them were the happiest with their relationships. Here are 4 ideas.

Throw a "Just-for-Him" Item into Your Cart

This could be the extra-hoppy beer only he loves (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 truly appreciate (it won't aggravate his lactose intolerance like regular ice cream).


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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.


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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.


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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.


KEEP READING: More Ways of Giving More in Your Relationship-- Without Feeling Like a Maid

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