How to Be a Good Spouse

1. Don't have close opposite sex friends

Having casual friends of the opposite sex is ok but don't talk about deep, personal things with the opposite sex, like past hurts etc.  That is never a good idea and can lead to emotional affairs and eventually physical affairs. 

2. Try to stay in good physical shape

Try to be healthy in what you eat and exercise when you can.  Your spouse is the one who is intimate with you so how you look does somewhat matter. 

3. Have good hygiene

How your breath smells and how you smell matters a lot to your spouse since they have to kiss you, so brush your teeth a lot and shower every day. 

4. Respect their boundaries when angry

If your spouse is angry with you and needs to cool off alone in a room for a time, give them space to be alone.  Don't force them to talk when they don't want to.

5. Take Turns picking date activities

Still go on dates after marriage.  But don't always pick movies you want to watch or restaurants you want to go to.  Take turns picking what you two will do together. 

6. Never talk in a disrespectful tone to your spouse

You would not want someone to talk to you disrespectfully so don't do it to others, even if you think you are joking.  It's never a good idea.  It can come across as unloving or disrespectful and will most likely make your spouse respond in an unloving way. 

7. Don't over spend on money

Have a "fun spending" budget every week and stick to it.  Don't spend too much of your husband's hard earned money or money you will need for bills.  That will only put a lot of stress on your spouse. 

8. Respect your spouse's parents and speak positively about them

No one wants someone to talk bad about their parents or think that they are not good.  Always assume that their parents are good, have good intentions, and don't say bad things about them.

9. Let your spouse think differently then you do

No two people will ever think the same.  Give your spouse the freedom to think differently about any subject then about how you think.  Don't force them to change their mind.  If God wants to change their mind about something, he will.