Giving Your Husband Your Full Attention

Lately, I have been distracted when my husband tries to talk to me. I find ways to keep busy, when what I really need to do is just sit for a moment, look him in the eyes, and listen to him. A little attention is all he is asking of me. But after a whole day of tending to a toddler's pleas, nursing when asked, and dealing with tantrums, I am just so tired of being asked for things. The difference is that my husband was there before our son, and he is an adult in need of my attention and love. He is part of the reason our son was born and my love for him should still be nourished.

Bedtime would be a good time to have a private conversation over a glass of wine, but unfortunately, our son doesn't always go to bed, or stay there, when we tuck him in. There has to be communication between spouses in order for family life to have a solid foundation and be enjoyable. The further apart a married couple grows, the more they become like roommates. They are still lovers after children are born, but it becomes more difficult to make time to nourish that part of themselves and their relationship. Both husband and wife long for each other, they just need time to tap into that part of their souls.

With our celebration of Father's Day this weekend, it makes me appreciate all my husband does for Linus and me. Sometimes fathers are not given enough credit for what they do, only what they don't do. I tend to focus on all the things I do for my husband, instead of showing my appreciation by listening to him. The best thing I can do for my husband for Father's Day is to become a less distracted wife during our conversations. He deserves to be in love with a good listener, not just a good cook.

Photo credit: Mary R. Vogt, Morguefile