Say, “I love you,” to your spouse.
Yes, say it out loud. Say it often. Say it when you are alone, and say it even when you are around others. There is no reason to be ashamed of expressing love to the person you chose to share your life with.
Why should saying “I love you” make you uncomfortable? Why should affection between husband and wife be treated as something embarrassing?
Sometimes, we assume our spouse already knows we love them, so we stop saying it. But knowing and hearing are not always the same thing. Your spouse may know you love them, but something is comforting about hearing those words from the person whose love matters deeply to you.
Say it when things are going well. Say it after an argument when you have reconciled. Say it before you leave for work. Say it before you go to sleep. Say it when your spouse has had a difficult day.
Say it simply because you can.
And please, do not reserve words of affection for special occasions. Marriage requires everyday reassurance, not just anniversary celebrations and other special occasions.
There is no prize for being the spouse who is too emotionally reserved to express love. Your husband or wife should not have to constantly wonder whether they are loved, appreciated, desired, or valued.
A loving marriage is built not only through providing, sacrificing, and fulfilling responsibilities, but also through words, tenderness, affection, attention, and reassurance.
So, look at your spouse today and say it:
“I love you.”
And mean it.
Those three simple words may take only seconds to say, but they can bring warmth to a heart, strengthen emotional connection, and remind your spouse that beneath all the responsibilities of marriage, there is still love.
Do not be stingy with affection toward your spouse. Let them hear the love you carry in your heart.
Umm Sumayyah Mai
