We live in a world defined by negativity. So much of the conversation surrounding politics, education, social challenges, and even religion seems to be about “What I’m against!” to the extent that we too easily forget exactly what it is that we value. It’s as if we have forgotten how to compliment one another. This can also be true in our marriages. One great exercise in intentional relationship building is the commitment to focus on the positive. Try the “I promise to say nothing negative to my wife for one entire day” pledge. Better still, try it for one week. Be a servant leader as you model active love.

Along the same lines, go a step further and move beyond merely avoiding the negative and actually be deliberate about the compliments. We think it’s such a good idea we’ve picked what we think are the 10 best compliments to give your wife.

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1. “I love talking with you; you’re interesting and funny.” Communication is a key component of a marriage that works. Lose conversation and you lose one another.

2. “Today was another one of those days that made me so glad I asked you to marry me.” You enjoy your life together. Make sure she knows it for a fact. Make sure she knows you’d ask her again in a heartbeat.

3. “Your life tells the truth about love.” This is a quote about love for the ages. Some people can be loving, or positive, or generous, or kind. But the way your wife is loved goes beyond that. If you really “get” your wife, tell her how she is. Tell her every way you know how.

4. “The kind of mom you are makes it so much easier to be the kind of a dad I need to be.” This parenting thing is all about teamwork. Self-doubt is ever present. Be the encourager. Let her know she inspires you.

5. “Sometimes you are so beautiful that I just want to stand still and look at you.” Go ahead. Make her day. Then just look at her.

6. “Thank you for being such a hard worker.” Simply acknowledging she works just as hard, if not harder, than you do will go a long way to encourage her. Just because some in this world will not give her credit for all the labor of love necessary to be a wife and mother does not mean it’s anything other than vitally important.

7. “Thanks for loving me the way you do; you make me want to be a better man.” Okay, so we borrowed this one from Jack Nicholson’s character in the movie, As Good As It Gets. But it’s more than a great line – this compliment lets her know she’s inspirational.

8. “You’re the reason this place is called ‘home’ rather than just a house.” Your wife puts her heart into the heart of your home. Recognize that. Let her know you appreciate her love and her skill.

9. “Thanks for being my best friend.” Most men own a feeling of real emptiness outside a loving marriage relationship. Tell your wife that you understand what’s going on and that you value her gift of friendship to your life.

10. “Thanks for your honesty.” Many men look at their wives as nags when they’re honest. And that is true at times for some women. But for many husbands, your wife’s honesty is gift and a chance to grow. When your best friend who loves you is open enough to be honest, it’s an opportunity for you to fix something. And that is invaluable.

Share these 10 compliments for your husband with your wife and have a fun compliment battle!