16 Warning Signs You Could Be Failing as a Husband
Relationships are complex and require a lot of effort on both sides. If you’re unsure about your role as a husband, you’re not alone; many people face similar doubts and wonder if they’re holding up their end of the ‘I do.’ For some, the areas to improve are obvious, while for others, it’s not as clear. If you’re feeling unsure and want to be a better husband, these signs can help you figure out how you’re failing and where you might need to improve.
You Don’t Communicate

Communication holds far more weight in a relationship than people credit it with. Poor communication may make your partner feel unimportant and uninvolved, leading to pointless quarreling and arguments. Keeping them in the loop or even asking them about their day can go a long way in strengthening your relationship- It’s the little things.
You’re Dismissive of Her Feelings

If she opens up to you about her feelings and you almost always disregard it, she will eventually give up and not feel emotionally safe with you. Once a woman quits putting effort into the emotional connection, it is the beginning of the end. As a partner, be there for her and show compassion.
You Are Controlling

You may feel like you are protecting your spouse, but there is a thin line between being protective and controlling. Making all her decisions for her and continuously monitoring her actions may make your partner feel you don’t trust her and are insecure. It can also feel suffocating for your spouse, so it’s best to give them space and encourage them to make their own decisions.
You Don’t Trust Her

Trust is the most critical foundation of a marriage. Constantly questioning her, checking her devices, or even suspecting her all the time will only lead to a ruined marriage. Trust issues often stem from poor communication or traumatic past experiences—both of which, if shared with your partner, can help strengthen your marriage. Instead of projecting your insecurities on your partner, maybe consider having an open dialogue with them.
You Don’t Celebrate Her Success

As husband and wife, you are a team; her success is yours just as much as yours is hers. If your partner is doing well at a job or has achieved massive business success, be proud of her. Instead of feeling threatened or downplaying her success, own it. There is nothing to gain by feeling insecure or not celebrating her success except losing everything.
You’re Unwilling to Put Efforts

Marriage requires constant effort, not just in the honeymoon phase but even as you grow older together. Not willing to make time for her or take her out on dates has a ripple effect on your partner. They end up feeling unloved, and it’s only about time they stop trying. A healthy marriage requires both partners to play their part; if one stops, the other person eventually gets tired and quits.
You Take Her For Granted

We do a lot for the people we love, usually without expecting anything other than a bit of appreciation or acknowledgment. Failing even to provide that can make your partner feel neglected or unwanted. Doing as little as expressing gratitude or acknowledging her gestures can show your partner you care and pay attention and bring you closer to each other.
You Always Criticize Her

Constant criticism has far-flung effects on your partner; they may feel unloved, unwanted, or not good enough. Constantly nagging about their mistakes or using derogatory language can break their self-esteem in more ways than you can imagine. As a partner, she entrusts you with uplifting her and supporting her, not breaking her spirit. If you’d like to address something, ensure you don’t criticize her in doing so.
You Rarely Compliment Her

A little compliment can mean so much, and if you barely notice or appreciate her efforts, style, or achievements, she may start to feel distant and ignored. Just saying something nice about her new outfit or recognizing something she’s worked hard on shows that you’re paying attention and genuinely value having her in your life.
You Prioritize Work Over Family

Yes, work is essential to bringing food to the table, but so is being an involved partner in the stability of the family unit. At work, you may be one of the many employees, but at home, you are the only parent and the only father. Not spending enough time with your family can strain your relationship, leaving your partner feeling unsupported and overwhelmed.
You Don’t Help Around the House

The responsibility of house chores does not lie entirely on your wife, even if you are the only one working. You are just as expected to play your role in helping around the house as she is. Moreover, if both of you are working, it becomes even more important to lend a helping hand. Always expecting housework from her and not doing anything yourself leads to frustration and fights.
You Often Lie

The foundation of any relationship is trust, and if you frequently lie to your spouse, it’s a huge red flag. Lying is not only disrespectful but also deeply hurtful to your partner. It erodes your partner’s faith in you, ultimately leading to an unhappy marriage, with your spouse feeling betrayed due to your behavior.
You Hold Grudges

We all make mistakes, but holding grudges against your partner is not very husband-like. Constantly bringing up old arguments, even after you two have resolved them, clearly shows that you haven’t forgiven your spouse. They may feel like walking on eggshells around you and trapped in a vicious cycle of negativity.
You’re Secretive

Hiding things from your wife is a great way to lose her trust and interest. As your partner, she expects transparency. Hiding things from her, like finances, feelings, or your activities, erodes trust and makes them feel betrayed. Most spouses find it challenging to stay in a marriage that lacks trust, so don’t do anything detrimental to your relationship.
You Don’t Prioritize Intimacy

Physical intimacy is quite important in a relationship. It is a way for couples to bond deeper and connect emotionally. But neglecting physical intimacy or paying little attention to it could have devastating effects on your marriage. Despite the lack of intimacy causing strife between you two, it could also affect your spouse’s self-esteem and lead to feelings of rejection or isolation.
You’re Addicted

Addiction to anything is evil, be it drugs, work, or something else. It can eat away at your marriage without you even noticing. In the daze of addiction, you may unknowingly harm or abuse your partner, leading her to feel unsafe and unwanted. If you are struggling with an addiction, accept support and battle it.
More For You

Discussing your fears and anxieties can help strengthen your connection with your partner. Focusing on vulnerability and asking them the right questions can create a deeper bond between you.
This article was first published at Rbitaliablog.