How to Be There for Your Husband
As wives, we can get so wrapped up in our own busy lives—the kids, the house, the work, and all the other responsibilities, that we sometimes forget our husbands are carrying burdens too. It’s easy to focus on our own challenges, but we must remember that our husbands are often silently facing their own struggles, and it’s important for us to check in on them.
There have been times in my own life where I’ve been so caught up in the chaos of my day-to-day that I’ve forgotten to ask my husband how he’s doing. It’s not that I don’t care, it’s just that the demands of life can sometimes make it hard to step outside of our own world and see what’s going on in his. But I’ve learned that checking in with him is just as important as everything else on my to-do list.
Our husbands are not only our partners in life, but they’re often the ones we lean on for support. But they, too, need to feel seen, heard, and loved. They carry their own weight in this life, just as we do, and sometimes, the things they’re facing go unspoken. Checking in on them shows that we recognize their struggles, we’re there for them, and we’re willing to walk alongside them in the ups and downs.
The Silent Struggles They Carry
Sometimes, as women, we focus on the many hats we wear—mom, homemaker, worker—and in doing so, we forget that our husbands are also wearing multiple hats. They may be working hard to provide for the family, dealing with their own pressures at work, or navigating personal challenges that they don’t always share. Just because they may not talk about it doesn’t mean they’re not carrying a heavy load.
I’ve realized that my husband doesn’t always express what’s bothering him, but that doesn’t mean he’s not dealing with stress or emotional challenges. Men are often taught to bottle things up, to remain strong for their families. But we can’t assume they’re always fine just because they don’t express their feelings as openly as we might. As wives, it’s our job to recognize when they may be struggling and offer them the same support they offer us.
Asking, “How Are You Doing?”
I’ve learned that simply asking, “How are you doing?” can make all the difference. It’s a question that goes beyond the casual, “How was your day?” and invites them to share what’s really going on inside. Taking the time to truly listen can strengthen our relationship and provide them with the support they may need.
Sometimes, the best way to show love is by being present and listening. It’s not always about offering solutions or advice, sometimes, it’s just about offering a safe space for them to open up. Letting them know that you see their struggles and that you’re there for them can help ease the weight they may be carrying.
Don’t Assume He’s Fine
We often make the mistake of assuming that our husbands are fine, especially if they don’t openly express their feelings. But even though they might not always show it, they need to feel supported and understood. Men may not always seek help in the same way we do, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need it.
By checking in with them, we’re showing them that we recognize their worth and value, and we care about what they’re going through. We need to create a space where they feel safe to share their struggles without fear of judgment. And when they do open up, it’s important that we listen with empathy and understanding.
Walking Together Through the Struggles
Marriage isn’t just about sharing the good moments; it’s about walking together through the difficult times, too. We’re partners in life, and that means supporting each other through all the challenges we face, both spoken and unspoken. Checking in on our husbands and being there for them emotionally can strengthen our relationship and deepen our connection.
When we check in on our husbands, we’re not only showing them love, but we’re also reminding them that they don’t have to carry their burdens alone. They are loved, they are supported, and they have a partner who will walk beside them, no matter what.
Lord, thank You for my husband and for the love and strength he brings to our family. I lift him up to You today and ask that You would ease any burdens he is carrying, whether seen or unseen. Help me to be more attentive to his needs and to check in on him, not just in the good times but in the challenging ones, too. Fill our marriage with grace, patience, and understanding, and help me to be the support he needs.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
