Happy Wife Happy Life: Tips to Keep Her on Her Toes

Article by guest author Peter Brooker

I think a lot of guys can relate to this. Since COVID, the work from home relationship has shifted and the dynamic of many relationships have also had to shift considerably. From my own personal point of view, I now have to work more days from home than was once required. Likewise my now-wife has had to commute to the office more, leaving me at home with the fluffs (pets).

I've started to appreciate that my wife has picked up more burden day to day. And I feel like it's up to me to try and accommodate her more. Make her life as frictionless as possible. Be more optimistic, more life affirming and take up some of the slack of jobs I'd never have to do previously.

This has meant a change in mindset for me. And here are some tips I'd like to pass on to you.

MAKE THE BREAKFAST LUNCH AND DINNER

An easy one, but I now do all the cooking. I boil the eggs in the morning, I prepare the berries with yoghurt and a dash of cinnamon. I make the green smoothie, the coffee how she likes it, and a hot water lemon drink with a tablespoon of olive oil. (Think that's a Russian thing).

I pack her lunch. Avocado with tomato, and the soft cheese (the expensive kind of course, again a Russian thing).

For dinner it's fish from the Fishmonger, grilled on the hotplate. I wrote about that game-changer in an article here. The veg is fresh from the market and involves cutting, seasoning and sticking in the oven for circa 40 minutes.

PREPARE THE HOME FOR HER RETURN

Get into good habits. She needs to have a warm home, a happy place to unwind after her day. I've invested in a few candles recently which I light an hour before she gets in. My favourite being the Espresso Martini Candle.

Run the hoover round, get the place aired, crack open a window or two. If there is crap in the driveway, clean it up. Make sure the bed is made how SHE likes it. Have some music on Alexa playing, the songs that she likes.

Also make sure you're not still in your workout gear or pyjamas. She wants to have the illusion that you've done something with your day. Something other than press ups or watching re-runs of Baywatch with the blinds drawn.

A ROMANTIC THOUGHT

I mentioned back there I make the pack lunches. Recently I've purchased this Polaroid printer. It's called INSTAX MiniLink 2, and I'll link to it on Amazon here. I pull up a photo from my phone and print out a photo of one of the pets, or a memory from our holiday. You can print it out via Bluetooth, VIA the app, dead easy to use. Then I tuck into her lunchbox so she has a memory from home whilst she is at the office.

The only thing is the print paper is quite expensive, 75p a sheet. So I warn her, don't bloody throw these polaroids away! Collect them, and then make a mural of some kind.

DEAL WITH THE ADULT STUFF

If you're living together you're also now in charge of the stuff that makes adulthood dull as crap. Taking the meter readings, organising the gardeners, changing the light bulbs, the annual boiler check, the car insurance, the security of the house. Either ring doorbells, security camera, or Arenti indoor cameras. I have all of this, and it's all subscriptions and its all in my name.

You might have to sacrifice a hobby or two, or just get up earlier. But basically all of this is now on you.

FINALLY: LISTEN

You have to become a better word detective and listen to what she wants. What is on her mind. What is itching away? What can you do to help? Maybe she complains about a dress that is ripped all the time. You can take it to the dry cleaners for her. Does she complain about her wrist or a sore back? Take her to a local spa, or book a Physiotherapy session. I did that recently for my wife, and she liked it so much she has now signed us up for a monthly membership. The Russian spas are the best. They serve the food and the vodka shots.

Photo by Marc A. Sporys on Unsplash