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Every once in awhile a really helpful book makes its way to my mailbox. A few weeks ago, I received such a book. It’s the newest book by my friend, Cindi Menamin, called, 12 Ways to Experience More with Your Husband. This week, Cindi shares a bit of her wisdom, here on my blog. I’m also giving away a copy of her book to one lucky winner who leaves a comment!

So, here’s wisdom from Cindi…

How often do you and your spouse end up at odds because you said something (or he said something) that didn’t come out quite right?

Ah, the power – and peril – of our words.

We often have good intentions. But then somehow, it all goes south.

After nearly 30 years of marriage I’ve learned that how we frame our questions or statements can make the difference between uplifting or upsetting our spouses.

Consider the following scenario: You are getting ready to go out and grab an inexpensive dinner with your husband. But you feel like showering first and looking nice – you want it to feel like a date and you are doing it for him. But he is focused on food. And he’s hungry. You put on a cute dress and fix your hair and makeup as he waits patiently for you.

Then, when you’re finally ready you notice him in his favorite T-shirt and his comfy, but not-so-attractive shorts and you say: “Are you going to go dressed like THAT?”

You meant: “I dressed nicely. You didn’t.” He heard: “You look like a slob!”

So, you try again: “I dressed up for YOU.”

He hears “I dressed up for YOU” but doesn’t know how he’s supposed to respond. Is that an accusation that I didn’t dress up for her? Is she waiting for a ‘thank you’ or a ’you look great’? Is she expecting me to wear something else? What am I supposed to do?

He ends up opting for: “Is that new?” (thinking maybe it is and you’ll be upset if he doesn’t notice.)

You hear: “Did you spend money again on clothes that you don’t need?”

Now, do you see where all of this misunderstanding and defensiveness can lead? Your man shouldn’t have to walk through a mine field to get out the door to have dinner with his wife. Yet the bombs can go off when we say something explosive that we didn’t think to carefully frame into a piece of encouragement instead.

Reframe Your Words

We can talk to our husbands without offending, confusing, or putting them on the defensive by framing what we say in a compliment and eliminating their guesswork.

Here are a few of the not-so-kind things wives want to say to their husbands, along with a better way to frame the statement.

Don’t say: “Are you going to go dressed like that?” Instead, try: “Why don’t you wear that new blue shirt? You look terrific in it.”

Don’t say: “Why don’t you open doors for me like you used to?” Instead, say: “I really like when you open doors for me. It shows me you care.”

Don’t say: “I tried all day to reach you. Where were you?” Instead say: “Is everything okay? I wanted to connect by phone and see how you were doing today.”

Don’t say: “We’re $400 short this month.” Instead say, “I was able to save $100 in coupons this month, which should help toward our deficit.”

Don’t say “We need to talk.” Say instead, “Let me know when you have a minute so we can talk about _______________.”

Did you notice something about how all of those statements were reworded? The original statements sounded like accusations. They were pointed questions that can put your spouse on the defensive. But by reframing, the question turned into a compliment and what might have been perceived as an accusation turned into a form of admiration.

If we, as wives, would never want to hear our husbands say something like “Are you going to wear that?” Or “Have you gained a little weight lately?” or “I wish you looked and acted more like you did back when we met” then why on earth would we say it to them?

Speak to your man in a complimentary manner, rather than a negative tone. And make sure you watch your body language. (My husband does NOT like when I say something to him with my hands on my hips. For me, it’s just a comfortable way to stand. To him, it says I’m assuming command of The USS Enterprise!)

I believe we can get in the habit of framing our words well when we practice the instruction in Ephesians 4:29: “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”

Next time something is on the tip of your tongue, stop. Ask yourself “Will this build up my husband or tear him down?” Then consider how can you can reframe it in a way that builds him up as a man.

Did Cindi’s article give you ideas on how to better talk to your husband? Leave your comment below (along with the U.S. state where you live) and you could win a free copy of Cindi’s new book, 12 Ways to Experience More with Your Husband. The winner will be notified next week via email.

 

 

 

Cindi McMenamin is a national speaker and author of 16 books who has been married 30 years to a pastor and introvert. Her newest book, 12 Ways to Experience More with Your Husband, released Feb. 1 from Harvest House Publishers. Grab it at a special introductory sale price today or find more resources to strengthen your walk with God, your marriage, or your parenting, at her website: www.StrengthForTheSoul.com.

donnajones

More than a Bible teacher, Donna is a self-described Bible explainer. A colorful storyteller who combines Biblical truth with real-life anecdotes, her messages not only help listeners understand God’s Word, but most important, grasp how to live it out in real life.

15 Comments

  • Thank you, Donna, for the privilege of sharing my message with your readers this week. I’m looking forward to reading the comments and seeing who gets a free, signed copy of my new book. 🙂

  • Toni Ricca says:

    I agree 100%. This article is spot on! Super encouraging and uplifting. Wife’s have a responsibility to lift up our husbands. God provides the guidance to do it!!!!!

    We have a thought …..pause….how can I phrase this thought to be uplifting to my husband and pleasing to God!!!

  • Angelique Goudeau says:

    Thank you for the reminder to be kind with words! California

  • Sara Smart says:

    Thank you so much for this reminder. It’s something I’ve slacked off on so need to refocus on. California.

  • This is so on spot!!
    Thank you so much!! I met you at the California Community Retreat…you truly spoke to my heart!
    I would love to win the book!

  • Kelly says:

    This so resonated with my life! Just had this whole conversation about this type of communication the other day. Good to know this is common with other people and not just me! California girl ❤️

  • Lora says:

    After reading this post, I realized that I have been doing this unconsciously for some time. I must have forgotten that men’s brains are wired so differently! I can only improve myself and watch the words I’m using. Thanks for pointing this out.

  • Rachel Perez says:

    Love this! I am so excited to check out this book. I’m always in need of godly wisdom for my marriage! Thank you for sharing this Donna!

  • Kendra says:

    This is something I’ve been needing to read and hear for awhile. With a busy life between work, a husband’s business, 3 little girls to raise and another little one on the way, it’s so easy to let the small things bother and take it out on one another. This will for sure be a book I will need to read.
    Minnesota girl!

  • Tricia Calhoun says:

    Yup, unfortunately I’m definitely guilty of saying something that I should of stopped and phrased differently. Thank you for the reminder! California

  • Jammie says:

    I am in a book study with a group of women Julie is our leader. I believe she would like this to be our next book study. She is a great mentor she is in love with your books. I’d have to agree drama free has been great so far thank you from the ladies in Avon MN.

  • Regina says:

    This came at the perfect time as it is my 3 year anniversary with my husband. Thank you so much for the tips and encouraging words so that I can learn to lift up my husband! It’s been a bit challenging lately since we have a new baby around but I know that it will really help if I stop and reframe my words before I speak to my husband.

  • cuellar says:

    Donnajonesministry, thanks a lot for the article post.Much thanks again. Fantastic.