Husbands who truly want to make their wives feel loved and appreciated are always on the lookout for small gestures and grand expressions to show their affection. That sustained effort holds the key to figuring out how to make your wife feel special, which, in turn, keeps a marriage fresh and exciting. 

As Mignon McLaughlin wisely said, “A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.” The beauty of a marriage lies in the details—the little things partners do for each other to maintain romance. Expressing love is just as vital as experiencing it. Making your wife a priority is not enough, she needs to feel it. 

To help you figure out how best to go about it, let’s explore the different ways to make your wife feel special with the help of psychologist Nandita Rambhia (MSc, Psychology), who specializes in CBT, REBT, and couples counseling

How To Make Your Wife Feel Special: 30 Impactful Ideas

First things first, let’s talk about why it’s important for you to figure out how to make your wife feel loved again. Well, because marriage can often open the gates of complacency and boredom. As you settle down in your new roles as husband and wife, it’s easy to start taking each other for granted. And the effort begins to diminish. If not checked in time, these tendencies can make partners grow apart, putting your relationship in jeopardy. That’s why it’s important to take some time and make some efforts to make your wife happy. And it doesn’t take much 

Nandita says, “It’s often the small, thoughtful gestures that make the biggest impact. Ask yourself, “How do I make my wife feel special? It is vital that you remind yourself of each other’s love languages and consciously work on speaking and understanding them.” With this expert advice as our foundation, let’s explore some awwww-some ideas on how to make your wife feel special.

1. Leave her love notes

Wondering, “How do I make my wife feel special?” We say start small. Write cute love notes for her and stick them on the mirror for her to discover as she’s getting ready for the day. They will make her day. This is also a great communication exercise in a marriage too. Here are a few sweet things you can write on the notes:

• You make my world go round 
• Don’t know where I’d be without you
• No matter how bad a day I am having, thinking about coming home to you brings a smile to my face

2. Use those three magical words 

These words are used less frequently after marriage. Make it a point to say, “I love you” as often as you can. And remember to maintain eye contact so your eyes reflect the depth of your words. It may sound cliché but it will get her heart pounding. It’s always wonderful to be reminded how loved you are. The most stressful day will become lighter when she hears you say you love her.

3. Call her from work 

How to make your wife happy, you ask? Nandita advises, “Open and honest communication forms the foundation of any strong relationship. Regularly check in with your wife, not just about major issues but also about her day-to-day feelings and experiences.” Make an effort to create a ritual around daily check-ins like calling her from work. It may just be a quick 5-minute chat just before lunch hour, but it will go a long in showing that you’re making your wife a priority. 

Related Reading: 23 Little things to make your marriage stronger everyday

4. Ask her how her day was

This is a simple gesture but can mean a lot to your wife and show her that you take an interest in her life. Definitely the easiest way to make a wife feel special, provided you listen to her with undivided attention. Talk to her about the ins and outs of the daily hassles, and ask a few thoughtful questions. Basically, stay in the loop with what’s going on in her life. Here are a few examples:

• What was the best part of your day?
• Did you face any challenges or frustrations at work/home?
• Did you have any interesting conversations or experiences?
• How did your meeting/appointment go?
• Is there anything special or different that happened today?

5. Express gratitude 

The answer to how to make your wife feel special could be as simple as acknowledging her efforts. A simple ‘thank you’ when she irons your shirt or gets you a glass of water when you are too tired to get up from the couch goes a long way to show her you care. After all, not feeling appreciated in a relationship can be heartbreaking. Besides, you can never be grateful enough for her role in your life; be sure to express it too by treating her right. Here are a few things you can say while showing gratitude:

• Thank you for always being there for me and supporting me
• I really appreciate everything you do for our family
• I’m so grateful to have you in my life; you make everything better

6. Ask her how you can help 

Sara, a reader from New York wrote to us about her husband, “He rarely helps out with anything in the house, and certainly, not without being asked to. It bugs me that he doesn’t offer to pitch in. I feel he doesn’t love me enough to even be remotely considerate.” A lot of wives feel the same. 

On the contrary, most guys expect their wives to ask for help when they need it. This discrepancy in expectations causes conflicts. If you’re wondering how to make your wife feel loved again, a simple way would be to bridge this gap. While she’s doing chores, ask her if she needs help. Even if she says no, go ahead and help her. While there is a division of responsibilities in most households, taking on some of her load is a lovely thing to do. After a long day at work, who wouldn’t appreciate someone doing the dishes instead? This is a great way to show affection too.

7. Wish her good morning in bed

A warm and wholesome way to start the day and let your wife know how much she means to you. You can take it a step ahead and bring her breakfast in bed every once in a while. Or stay in bed on a weekend morning and cuddle her. Can you think of romantic things to do for your wife to beat this? 

Related Reading: 15 Tips That Keep A Relationship Strong And Happy

8. Wrap your arms around her

While she is getting ready for work or cooking in the kitchen, wrap your arms around her waist and hug her from behind. Hold her close to you very tightly, and nuzzle your face into her neck. Besides making her feel loved and desired, such sensuous acts can be the key to sustaining the spark in long-term relationships. Here are a few more such gestures you can try your hand at:

• Gently brushing her hair or tucking a strand behind her ear
• Holding her hand while walking or sitting together
• Giving her a light, affectionate touch on the back or shoulder
• Offering a soft kiss on the forehead or cheek

9. Write her a love letter

What could be a better answer to how to make your wife happy than a heartfelt love letter that moves her to tears? Jot down all the things that you love and admire about her, maybe add a memory or a moment that made you fall in love with her all over again. Letter writing is fast becoming a lost art but nothing can replicate the charm of heartfelt words penned down on ornate paper. So, go the extra mile and make it happen. Among the nice things to do for your wife, little gestures like this can go a long way.

10. Compliments go a long way

How to show your wife you appreciate her, you ask? Nandita says, “After marriage, husbands tend to compliment their wives less, which makes them conscious about their looks. When you think about romantic things to do for your wife, you might be forced to think only about gestures. But it’s vital to be mindful of the power of compliments and acknowledgment as well.” 

Compliment her often and notice changes in her looks and hairstyles. Appreciate her when she dresses up and don’t body shame her for that extra weight she has put on. Tell her you love her just the way she is. This is the solution to your dilemma, “What can I do to make my wife feel special?”Here are a few things to keep in mind when you’re showering her with beautiful words:

• Instead of general compliments, focus on specific qualities or actions
• Ensure your compliments are sincere and come from the heart. Authenticity makes your words more meaningful
• Compliment her efforts and character traits, not just her appearance
• Compliment her without comparing her to others. This keeps the focus on her unique qualities and contributions

Related Reading: 5 Reasons Why Couples Should Take A Sexcation

11. Give her a massage

Give her a massage to help her relax after a long and tiring day. You can take her to the bathtub, use aroma candles and bath salts, and make it a sensuous massage followed by some great sex. Definitely, tops the list of romantic things to do for your wife.

12. Cooking a meal is one of the ways to make your wife feel special

Surprise her by cooking a meal for her. Cooking together is a great bonding activity for married couples, and a romantic dinner at home might be just the thing your wife needs. Here are a few things to keep in mind while cooking a romantic meal:

• Make sure to cook her favorite dishes and consider any dietary restrictions or dislikes
• Set the table with care, using elements like candles, flowers, and soft background music
• Pay attention to how you plate the food, adding garnishes for an elegant touch
• Take your time and enjoy the cooking process, letting your positive energy infuse the meal
• Include a personal touch like a handwritten note or her favorite homemade dessert to show extra thoughtfulness

Charlie, another reader from Indianapolis, says, “I’ve been married for 5 years, and not once has my husband cooked. Every time I would bring it up, he’d laugh it off saying, “I don’t cook so that you don’t look bad. I am a great chef.” This year as a surprise, he made Lasagne for my birthday dinner. As it turned out, his lasagne was indeed mindblowing. More than that, I loved the gesture.” Not a bad problem to have, right? 

13. Gift her a spa package

Women absolutely love a spa day out – it makes them feel like queens. So, if you’re wondering how to show your wife you appreciate her, you cannot go wrong with gifting her a spa package. You can join her and make a date out of it. She’ll come back home feeling completely relaxed and more in love with you than you know. This is one of the most romantic things to do for your wife.

14. Respect her parents

Her parents are precious to her, and it will mean the world to her if you’re kind, courteous, and respectful toward them. If you make an effort to establish a rapport with them, it will be the perfect cherry on the cake for her. Here are a few ways you can show them respect:

• Pay close attention to their stories, advice, and concerns, showing genuine interest and appreciation for their perspectives
• Regularly offer assistance with tasks or errands, demonstrating your willingness to support them and be a dependable part of their lives
• Frequently thank them for their support, guidance, and hospitality, and acknowledge the positive impact they’ve had on your life and relationship

Related Reading: What Are The Habits That Kill Romance In A Relationship? We List 7!

15. Tuck her into your arms

“Physical touch is a fundamental way to express love. Hold her hand, give her a hug, or cuddle on the couch. These acts of physical affection help maintain intimacy and connection. They tell her that you think she’s beautiful and desirable”, says Nandita. When she is sitting alone, tuck her into your arms and rub her side lightly. This is a great way to show your wife she is loved and appreciated. It’s a loving gesture to show deep affection. Intimacy is important in relationships, so make sure you do your bit to keep working on it. 

16. Shower her with kisses

Cuddles, kisses, playful tickling, and embracing are the simplest answers to how to make your wife feel desired. Kiss your wife often, and with passion. A quick reminder that she’s your number one girl—that you love her the most in the world. Even though physical touch might not be her primary love language, physical intimacy is a fundamental pillar that every marriage stands on. This is one of the subtle things that will make her feel beautiful and loved. 

17. Dinner dates 

Wondering how to make your wife feel special? Nandita says, “While everyday gestures are important, planning special dates can keep the excitement alive.” Take her out on dinner dates, preferably to her favorite restaurant. Take her back to that beautiful first date and relive the initial days of your relationship. Here are a few more ideas on how to date your wife:

• Rooftop dinner
• Beach picnic
• Farm-to-table restaurant date
• Wine tasting dinner

Related Reading: How To Keep Relationship Alive After A Baby?

18. Help her out with the kids

Sharing parental duties shows you’re invested in your family. Besides, she shouldn’t have to shoulder the responsibilities of parenting by herself. If you’re looking for nice things to do for your wife, nothing works better than taking some of the load off of her. Here are a few things you can do with your kids:

• Take the kids to a nearby park or nature trail for a day of hiking, picnicking, and exploring, giving your wife some quiet time at home
• Organize a fun craft day at home, where you and the kids can create art projects, build models, or try out DIY activities, keeping them entertained and creative
• Spend a few hours at the local library, letting the kids choose books, participate in storytime sessions, or engage in educational games, while your wife enjoys some peaceful downtime

19. Appreciate her

“Regularly express your appreciation for everything she does, from her career achievements to her efforts at home,” advises Nandita. If you want to know how to make your wife feel desired and show her you care about her, start by telling her how much you appreciate her. You can do that by making it a habit to say sweet things to your wife like, 

• Gosh! I don’t know what I’d do without you
• Your love and support is the source of my strength 
• You have transformed my life  

20. Buy groceries together

What are some simple ways to make your wife feel special? Go with her to buy groceries and help her carry the bags home. Shopping for home essentials is a good routine activity to bond over. Household chores aren’t a bore when done together. This’ll make her realize that you want to spend quality time with her; even if it’s just running errands. Among the nice things to do for your wife, being present for her should be a must. Here are a few other things you guys can do together:

• Home improvement projects
• Gardening
• Exercise 
• Shopping for home decor

21. Pick her up from work

Surprise her by picking her up from the office. Maybe even take her for a long drive and a short coffee date before heading home. Or take her to her favorite café and order the pizza she loves. See her chomp away happily after that. This is a perfect idea for spending some quality time together. Make these gestures a part of your married life and you won’t find yourself wondering how to make your wife feel special.  

22. Order food for her

Order her favorite pastry or ice cream once in a while. She will realize how attuned you are to her needs. Some good dessert and a binge-watching session can work wonders. Food is often the way to a person’s heart; it also answers your question, “How do I make my wife feel special?”

Related Reading: 15 Tips for a Successful Marriage

23. Take care of her when she is on her period

Tell her to rest in bed while you take care of things. Get her a hot water bottle or a box of brownies. This is the time she has severe mood swings; just understand that her PMS is making her body go haywire. Be patient and attentive. While she is on her period, it would be comforting for her to know that you’re there and she has your undivided attention. Make a run to the medical store if she needs you to get tampons or pads. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Acknowledge that she might be experiencing discomfort or mood swings, and offer emotional support without judgment
• Ensure she has everything she needs to feel comfortable, such as a hot water bottle, pain relief medication, her favorite snacks, and a cozy blanket
• Take on extra household tasks to lighten her load, allowing her to rest and take care of herself during this time

24. Feed her in bed

Want to make your wife feel special? How about a waffles-in-bed kind of weekend? She deserves to sleep in for a few extra hours on holidays. After all, she needs a break too. Once you have fed her with your hands, and she gets into the mood for something else…don’t tell us we didn’t warn you. Simple yet thoughtful acts like these will make her feel appreciated, and we all know how not feeling appreciated in a relationship can crack it up, right?

25. Tell your kids she is Superwoman

Make your kids realize that their mother is a Superwoman and tell them to thank her for being one. Never tell her off in front of the kids, and avoid an argument if it’s about to happen in front of them (it is a rookie parenting mistake you should avoid). Being respected by her family and loved ones will make her feel confident about herself. Give her the respect she deserves as your wife and their mother. Hyping her up is a clear answer to how to make your wife feel special. Here are some ideas on how to pull this off:

• Create a bedtime story where their mother is the superhero, highlighting her daily acts of love and strength in imaginative and exciting ways
• Dedicate a day to celebrating their mom, where each child shares reasons why she is their hero, along with small acts of kindness or handmade gifts
• Regularly point out and praise the little things she does, like cooking meals, helping with homework, or managing the household, emphasizing her dedication and hard work

26. Hold her hand

Hold her hand when you go out for a walk. Also, hold her hand at social gatherings. Or while crossing the road. And when you’re just lazing in bed. It will make her feel beautiful and valued. Sometimes it’s all about reviving the romance and attraction that bound you into a couple in the first place. Something as simple as holding hands can lend a sense of safety and security. 

Related Reading: 10 Beautiful Quotes that Define A Happy Marriage

27. Avoid criticizing her

Criticism can erode a person’s self-esteem and chip away at relationships, so steer clear of it at all costs. An anonymous reader, who feels unappreciated and unloved in her marriage, wrote to Bonobology, “He’s at work all day. Once he returns home, all he does is complain. The kids are too loud, the geyser isn’t working, the house is a mess, on and on and on. I know he comes tired from work, but I work all day too. This constant complaining and criticism is getting exhausting.”

Nandita says, “If you have a different opinion, express it without placing blame or using personal attacks. Resolve conflicts peacefully, and develop respect in the relationship. Criticism will not get you anywhere.”

28. Send her naughty text

How to make your wife feel desired, you ask? A saucy text can go a long way in keeping things fiery and fun. Drop into her DMs with a racy pick-up line, or an explicit description of what you’d like to do later that night. When you’re back home, things are bound to get hot, hot, and hotter. Sexting is also a great option to have some naughty fun. Here are a few things you can say:

• Can’t stop thinking about how amazing you looked this morning… Counting down the hours until I can see you again 😉
• Do you know what would make this day even better? A little private time with you tonight 😏
• Just remembered that incredible kiss we had yesterday… Let’s recreate that and more tonight
• I’ve got a secret… It involves you, and me, and no interruptions. What do you say?

29. Keep her needs in mind

Being mindful of her needs can be the answer to your question, “How can I make my wife feel special?” On your way back from work, ask her if she needs you to bring anything home. Or make a quick stop to buy her favorite doughnuts, just because. If she’s told you about a dress she saw at the mall, you could also surprise her by buying it for her. These are all great ways to make your wife feel special.

30. Respect her opinions and decisions

Nandita says, “Support her in whatever decision she makes and include her in your personal decisions as well. You should put your heads together when you need to make decisions about the shared expenses or about the kids, the mortgage, or ailing parents.”

Making your wife feel special doesn’t require a grand gesture or something that makes a hole in your pocket. You can make your wife special by the little things that make a big impact. Receiving gifts is great but imagine how ecstatic she’d be after receiving a thoughtful love letter about how much she means to you.

Infographic On Compliments To Make Your Wife Feel Special

Making your wife feel special and appreciated is essential for nurturing a loving and strong relationship. Compliments are a wonderful way to express your admiration and love for her. Whether it’s her beauty, intelligence, kindness, or the small things she does every day, acknowledging these qualities can brighten her day and strengthen your bond. Here are 50 heartfelt compliments to make your wife feel cherished and adored.

Final Thoughts

Which one do you think will win? It’s the little things that matter. As a Reddit user rightly wrote, when asked for ways to make one’s wife feel special, “After forty-five years of marriage, it’s amazing how, what we consider little things, make a big impact. Just do something totally unexpected that fits what she loves and shows how much you value her. Just remember, it’s not the big things we give them, but the little things we can do on a daily basis that make the greatest impact.”

Now that you’ve got the broad strokes on how to make your wife feel special, what are you waiting for? Go on and take care of her emotional needs and be her support system, like she is yours.

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