Just saying “Yes, Dear” doesn’t guarantee a happy marriage. However, here is a suggestion that just might.

As we reach our retirement years, we spend more time with our spouses. This increased closeness can lead to an unspoken understanding of a mutual love and appreciation that can replace necessary expressions of love and appreciation. Deep down, you know your spouse loves you, but at times, you may not “feel” like it.

Although the phrase “Yes, dear” is often humorously recommended for a successful marriage, after 50 years of marriage, I realize that love and appreciation go beyond mere words; they are most demonstrated through actions.

See Something, Do Something.

While it’s important to express to your spouse regularly, “I love and appreciate you,” there is an unspoken rule that reinforces your feelings of love: see something, do something. When you notice something that needs to be done around the house and take the initiative to do it—without being assigned or even asked—especially if it falls outside your usual responsibilities, it shows your spouse that they are truly valued and cared for.

For example, Jean usually heads up doing the laundry. One reason is that I am color-blind and don’t always separate colors correctly. However, if I notice a load has finished, I move them to the dryer, or if they are dry, I fold and put them away.

It was just a couple of days ago that Jean noticed our (neighbor’s 😂) leaves had blocked up one of our yard drains, without telling me it needed to be done, she cleaned it out.

Yesterday, Malachi (our 4-year-old grandson) spent the night with us, but had to be back home by 11:30 AM for a doctor’s appointment. When Jean got home at 12:15 PM, I had prepared fish, broccoli, and baked potatoes for lunch.

On Wednesday, while I was focused on one of my blog posts, she noticed that the trash cans had been emptied and were sitting at the curb. Without hesitation, she brought them into the garage.

Don’t get me wrong, when Valentine’s rolls around in a few weeks, I will get Jean flowers and take her out to dinner to show her how much I love her. But she will feel loved because I will take out the trash and vacuum. After all, “A happy wife means a happy life."

Savoring my Last Best Bite!

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