If there is one thing that your wife wants from you, it is to feel that she is the number one person in your life.  Many times conflicts in marriage can lead to a need for marriage counseling, but being aware of this fact, can turn things around.  Take this scenerio:

Mary is a working mom, she runs all day and comes home to kids, dinner, laundry, and so much more.  Hal comes home from work, usually about one hour after Mary, and when he does, he plops onto the couch.  When she asks him for help, he says that he is too tired, and sits watching the news frowning.  She believes that he is too tired from work, and doesn’t make a fuss, she just continues on and takes care of what needs to be done at home.  Then one night he comes in the door, all smiles telling Mary that he has been asked to go over to the neighbor’s to play cards with some of the guys.  Mary is thinking to herself, “Why is it that he has no energy when I ask for help, but he is happy to go out for the evening?” Whether he means it or not, Hal is telling Mary that she is not as important in his life as his friends are.

Many times we take our spouse for granted and put our own needs above theirs.  The problem is that when someone else wants or needs from us, we are more than willing to overextend to do for others.  Letting your wife know that she is your number one priority is something that can really help a marriage.  Put her on the top of your list instead of at the bottom and what you will find is that you will move up on her priority list as well.  She wants to be close with you, but she needs to feel that she matters to you, and you can let her know this by making time for her, to listen, to go out together, and to help her out.  These little things will let her know you care.  Then when the neighbor comes to call, you can say, “I am sorry, but I will be spending the evening with my wife.” Believe it or not this type of gesture will go a long way in showing your wife that she is on the very top of your list.