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Listening is critical for effective communication, and perhaps more important than talking. So make a conscious effort not just to hear, but listen and understand when your husband is talking. Pay attention to him during a conversation. Put away your phone, turn off the TV or turn down the music that could be distracting you. Giving your husband your full attention when he is speaking shows how much you respect him. Listening does not mean you have to agree with him. But even to disagree, you must listen to what he is saying.

‘Space’ is a concept that few people understand. Every person needs his or her own space. Even married men need their space at times and may want to retreat to their man-cave. Respect that and give him some space, and allow him to pursue his hobbies and interests that are “only for him”. Restricting your spouse’s freedom and space can be suffocating for them and have a negative impact on the relationship.

Not everything that your husband likes could interest you. You don’t have to do things that he likes, but give your husband the space to pursue his interests and show some curiosity about what he’s doing. Ask him about the game, book or hobby that he is interested in. Do a little homework and learn about the things he is interested in so that you can have a conversation about that too. Having things that both of you enjoy opens the chance for a conversation or an activity that both of you can do together.

The best marriages are those where the partners respect each other. Your husband is his own individual, with flaws and all. Respect the person he is, not for what he does for you or the family. Mutual respect in the marriage is a must. This reflects in the way you speak and behave with each other. Do not belittle, humiliate, strike or harm your husband, whether in private or public. A little teasing is alright, but insulting is not okay. So watch what you say and think before you speak.

The best marriage is the one where the couple is each other’s best friend. Nothing is better than being in love with your best friend. This is a love that is deep, strong and genuine. Allow a healthy friendship to develop between you and your husband, and see what difference it makes to your life.

Be it a career, a hobby or anything else that your husband pursues, he’d need and want your support. Being supportive in a marriage is not just about being there when the partner is having a difficult time. It is about appreciating or praising him when he achieves a milestone, or when he overcomes his fear and tries something new. Supporting is not always saying good things. It is also about offering constructive criticism to encourage him to improve in whatever he is doing. For example, being supportive of your husband’s new business idea when you are financially comfortable is a good way to boost his confidence and strengthen the relationship.

In any relationship, communication is critical. And marriage is no exception. Throw away the misconceived notions that a partner is supposed to know what the other one thinks and wants. Your husband cannot read minds, just as you can’t. You may know about each others’ likes and preferences but not necessarily what they are thinking or feeling. Open communication in the marriage means that you tell your husband what you think or feel and what you expect of him. Talk to your husband – ask, say, and discuss. Avoid the silent treatment, which can make things worse. Don’t leave your husband guessing about what you want. It will be better to clear your mind, try to figure out what you really want while being honest to yourself, and then communicate that to him.

Do you love your husband? Do you feel happy and safe when you are with him? If you have committed to spend a lifetime with a man through nuptials, you must love him. But loving is not enough. A relationship thrives on the expression of that love, among other emotions. So if you love your husband, show him how much he means to you. You don’t have to make elaborate expressions of love every day. It could just be little gestures such as a kiss or a peck on the cheek now and then, or making his favorite breakfast once in a while or picking a movie he likes to watch together. Telling that you love him is ok, but wait for the right moment to say it; say it only if it is true.