By Kimberly Kralovic 

Showing love for one another is easy during the holidays or big anniversaries. However, giving and receiving love is also shown in simple actions. So, how can you love well in the everyday? 

Loving Each Other Well 

When it came to loving my husband well, I had to realize we had very different love languages. For example, he didn’t always love physical touch, and I didn’t always practice gifts of service. But, with time and properly communicating our needs and expectations, I realized that we also had similarities despite the differences.

Knowing how each of us operates in the day-to-day works to our advantage and the arguments are fewer. Marriage comes with ebbs and flows, but learning how to love each other well is a continual goal. First Corinthians 16:14 says, “Let all that you do be done in love.” (ESV) There will be good, bad, hectic, and mundane days, so remember to lead with love. 

Love Doesn’t Have to Feel Big

I also learned that love isn’t just a magical spark that ignites just once. Even when the spark feels dim, a continual, greater love resides within. Let love build and evolve with intentional actions. A new habit we recently implemented is cuddling before bed side by side. It seems basic, but if we didn’t make this a new rule or tradition, we probably wouldn’t make it routine. 

Our new ritual is the one thing I can always count on each day: a place where I feel safe and comfortable. I’m also glad I brought it up first, and to my surprise, my husband often initiates cuddling before bed and enjoys it as much as I do. No matter what the day brings, I look forward to that intimate connection, even if the gesture seems small. Simplicity is not only life-giving but also love-sustaining. 

Simple Steps for Loving Well in the Everyday

Love is actively showing the other person you care. It’s putting their needs above yours while hopefully receiving that same devotion. Whenever I don’t feel like doing something, I keep that thought in mind. Love is a balancing act, and the dance is worthy of the effort.

Whether taking out the trash or doing the dishes, there’s plenty of love in the service. Simple steps also look like giving long hugs or being a listening ear when the other goes on in a much-needed rant session. Love wipes away tears when life is hard and is the heartbeat of everything we do. 

You are loved, regardless if you don’t always feel reciprocation. Most of all, you are certainly loved by God. God’s deep love is more than we can fathom here on earth. Hold that truth close to your heart in the good and bad times. 

Love is giving and receiving, so lean into love every day. Think of ways you can love your husband well based on his personality and needs while also speaking up for your desires and expectations. If you’re feeling lost, pray for direction. Let the Holy Spirit inside guide the way to unlock a deeper connection and understanding. 

Wife Step: Think of one new way to show deeper love and appreciation for your husband this week.

Grab our book, Dear Wife, here: https://www.amazon.com/Dear-Wife-Invitations-Practice-Connection/dp/0578470594

Listen to the A Wife Like Me Podcast, here: https://awifelikeme.com/podcast/

Grab our planner, Design My Day, here: https://awifelikeme.com/design-my-day

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