Men Are Grouchy, But It's Worth It
Marriage: a rollercoaster of emotions, right? But let’s talk about one of the universal experiences – the dreaded grouchy husband. If you're nodding in agreement, don't worry, you're not alone. We dive into this oh-so-relatable topic in our latest podcast episode and, spoiler alert, the secret isn't about turning your husband into a robot or learning how to read his mind—it’s all about attention.
Here’s the deal: when our kids are little, it’s like they have this gravitational pull, and we end up giving them all our energy. Between meal prep, playtime, and all the “mom duties,” we’re left with little more than a few crumbs of attention to toss at our partners at the end of the day. Cue the grouchiness. This is where the magic of the “girlfriend” mindset comes in.
What does that mean? Think back to when you were dating. You went out of your way to make him feel like the king of the world, right? You listened to his stories, complimented his efforts, and heck, you probably even flirted a little. (Ahh, the good ol’ days!) These small gestures still make a huge difference now, even though you’ve both got kids, careers, and, let’s be real, a mountain of laundry to tackle.
Want to see a transformation? Try creating tiny touchpoints throughout the day: a good morning kiss, a flirtatious text while he's at work, or a hug when he walks through the door. These actions remind him that he’s still your guy, even with everything else going on. And guess what? Physical touch doesn’t always have to lead to intimacy—sometimes, just holding hands or giving him a quick shoulder rub can do wonders.
And here’s the kicker—this shift in focus doesn’t just improve his mood, it can actually change how he responds to you. Suddenly, all those big asks (like getting another dog or rearranging the living room for the umpteenth time) don’t seem so impossible. When he feels desired, he’s way more likely to be supportive and open to your needs.
This isn’t about playing mind games or using sneaky tactics—it’s about keeping that romantic connection alive before it gets buried under piles of parenting duties and household chores. It’s about maintaining that little spark that makes your relationship you two—not just co-parents, but partners in every sense.
Of course, real life happens. You’ll have those moments when you tell your spouse to “shut up” during an argument (guilty!), but the key is getting back to a place of appreciation and affection quickly. No relationship is perfect, but the couples who keep the romantic connection strong through thick and thin are the ones who weather the storm together.
As the kids grow older and need less of you, this is the perfect opportunity to refocus on your marriage. It’s like hitting the reset button for your relationship—and trust us, the payoff is huge. Not just for the two of you, but for the entire family dynamic. Kids who see their parents genuinely enjoying each other learn valuable lessons about love and partnership.
So, here’s the challenge: This week, be the girlfriend. Flirt a little. Show some appreciation. Make eye contact. Send that “thinking of you” text. It’s a small effort, but the rewards might just surprise you. Your grouchy husband? He might just start smiling again.
And who doesn’t love that?
