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30 | GRAVITAS MAGAZINE GravitasMag.com Now Small physical gestures go a long way toward reconnecting. Give him a hug , a peck on the cheek, a slap on the bu, whatever. Innocent physical contact is good stuff. Then Listen to him. You may have a dozen important things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first – remember, his topics of conversation are more important than yours. Now You both have important things to say to each other, and sometimes, it's easy to just let it all flood out the moment you both arrive home. But take a step back: there's nothing worse (for either of you) than walk ing through the door and being bombarded by all the news of the day. Unless it's pressing , save it until aer you've taken a moment to reconnect and mellow for a moment. Then Don't greet him with complaints and problems. Now Don't greet him with complaints and problems—and expect the same treatment from him. Then Make the evening his. Never complain if he comes homes late or goes out to dinner, or other places of entertainment without you. Instead, tr y to understand his world of strain and pressure and his ver y real need to be at home and rela x. Now Men have their pastimes—18 holes on the golf course, network ing with the boss, hanging out with the guys—and that's okay. Women should do the same, and car ve out time in their schedules to invest in themselves, personally and professionally. It's all about finding a balance and not leing it mess with your own life balances. Then Don't complain if he's late home for dinner or even if he stays out all night. Count this as minor compared to what he might have gone through that day. Now Communication is the key to a happy relationship. If he's going to come through the door at 3am, he'd beer pick up the phone and let you k now beforehand. Unless he wants to sleep in the car. at's cool, too. Because, you k now, more bed. Then A rrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes. Speak in a low, soothing and pleasant voice. Now Inside voices are cool. But sometimes, you don't want to be quiet. is summer, arrange some play time: meet at the park aer work, and bring a Frisbee, some wine, and some pre-dinner picnic snacks. Keep it fun, and recharge a lile. Then Your goal: Tr y to make sure your home is a place of peace, order and tranquility where your husband can renew himself in body and spirit. Now Your goal: Do your part to make sure your home is a place of peace, order and tranquility where you both can renew yourselves in body and spirit. Then Make him comfortable. Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or have him lie down in the bedroom. Have a cool or warm drink ready for him. Now Make your couch amazing. Lots of pillows. A place where either of you can crash out for a second when you come home. ink to yourself: is this a couch where we could binge five episodes of House of Cards? Bonus points for a cold pitcher of something in the fridge. Then Don't ask him questions about his actions or question his judgment or integrity. Remember, he is the master of the house and as such will always exercise his will with fairness and truthfulness. You have no right to question him. Now A great marriage is a two-way street, and is based on mutual trust, respect, and communication. If he's the k ing of the house, then you are most certainly the queen, and have ever y right to put down your two cents (but yeah, fine—he can have his mancave). Then A good wife always k nows her place. Now A good husband always knows his place.

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