In my years of counseling and ministering to married couples, mostly in distress, I have learned some principles that run fairly consistent within each marriage. Couples really are not that different from each other. There are common needs most men and women bring to a marriage in order to make the marriage the best it can be. We may use different terms, but the needs remain relatively similar from marriage to marriage. While this is based on my observations they seem to resonate with many couples.
I’ve also learned that understanding the needs is the first step in addressing them. We only know what we know. Here’s to a better understanding of each other’s needs. Be sure to read the husband’s greatest list HERE.
Here are 7 of the greatest needs of a wife:
1. Love
Ephesians 5:25 “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her.” How did Christ love the church? 1 John 3:16 “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.”
Men, do you love your wife above everything else in your life (apart from your Christ relationship), including your work, your hobbies, your friends, family, and even the children? And, more importantly, do your actions prove your words?
2. Attention
Wives want to be listened to (even when the television is on) and know that we believe what they have to say is important. Our wives would prefer to talk with us over other women, even though another woman might better understand.
Men, are you truly listening to what your wife is saying? Again, do your actions prove this?
3. Protection
Wives want their husbands to be the defender of the family; not just against the strange sounds in the night, but against all the threats in society. They want us to take the ownership in leading our family spiritually and in teaching our kids how to defend themselves and stay strong in an evil world.
Men, are you working to protect your family—from all threats?
4. Security/Commitment
The wife wants to know you are going to be there forever. Wives often see their visually stimulated husbands looking at other women. Does she know you won’t cheat on her? Are you going to be faithful always?
Men, can she trust you? Do your actions build that confidence?
5. Appreciation/Value
Wives want to be valued for who they are as much as for what they do. Wives want to know we see them with value beyond just what she does to keep the household running. Is she more important than the stuff she does? Is she still beautiful?
Men, do you regular tell her what you admire about her? Do you genuinely compliment her—not just what she does?
6. Compassion
The Bible refers to women as the “weaker vessels.” Of course this doesn’t mean they are less than men, but that men and women are different. Women are going to respond differently to situations. They may cry easier, take longer to resolve things emotionally, feel tired quicker. Also, wives want a little romance in the marriage. (For most of us, if we’ve been married over a week they already know that’s not going to happen with you.) We can all, however, be kind, loving, and occasionally romantic. We usually get good credit here just for honestly trying.
Men, do you understand that your wife is not wired like you? Are you patient with her, allowing her to process things differently than you? Are you still attempting to be romantic at times—pursuing your wife—like you did before you were married?
7. Partnership
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Wives don’t want to do life alone. They want their husband’s participation in raising the kids, making decisions around the house, and, yes, sometimes even picking out paint colors. They want someone to do life with them, not live two separate lives in the same household.
Men, would your wife say you are truly her partner? Are the two of you becoming one more everyday?
Ladies, that’s my list. Again, it’s from personal observation. What would you add to the list?
Related Resource: Listen to our new, FREE podcast on marriage: Team Us. The best marriages have a teamwork mentality. Find practical, realistic ideas for strengthening your marriage. Listen to an episode here, and then head over to LifeAudio.com to check out all of our episodes:
Ron Edmondson pastors Immanuel Baptist Church. Find out more at: http://www.ronedmondson.com/about