The Rules of A [good] Wife.

*This list, which is in no particular order, will be forever added to so keep coming back for more! I'm constantly learning and gaining wisdom from other married couples. Remember, these actually are guidelines and you are going to make mistkes! No one is perfect but let these help you continue in supporting your man through it all, as they definitely have helped keep me in check. ☺ *

1. A good wife does not disrespect her husband by complaining about her husband to others, be it friends or relatives. Rather, she earnestly prays for his flaws and hers that clash with his that the two might better flow together by the grace of God.
2. A good wife does not hassle her husband with the problems of the day immediately after he walks through the door.
3. A good wife finds time for herself. This means - go do whatever it is that you find joy in! Knitting, movies, writing music, playing instruments, jogging - whatever relaxes you, but doesn't take you away from your husband. Too much of a good thing is destructive.
4. A good wife finds time with her girlfriends and encourages her husband to spend some time with the guys. It's true - even lovers need time apart. Remember how I said too much of a good thing can be destructive (#3)? Husbands and wives need breaks from each other to recharge and enjoy some more of the wonderful things the Lord has blessed us with in life, such as friends. Remember, don't use this time to rant and rage about your spouse, but use it to relax and stay connected with other important people in your life. Don't take advantage of this blessing.
5. A good wife ignores the little comments or phrases that might come off as rude or condescending, knowing her husband might just be stressed or irritated, but does speak up at a time or place that is less hostile of an environment is the comments are more than just a bad tone, etc. A good wife mentions conflict (to be dealt with) in kindness, not spite. She herself might need time to cool down from the seemingly disrespectful insult!
6. A good wife prays for her husband.
7. A good wife praises her husband.
8. A good wife reminds her husband of how much she appreciates his hard work.
9. A good wife does not use other people to make her husband jealous or irritated to prove a point or earn revenge.
10. A good wife does not make large financial decisions on her own (buying a car, buying a house, taking a vacation) because she knows that she and her husband are a team and make those decisions together.
11. A good wife does not withhold herself from her husband (sexually, emotionally) out of anger or revenge. Neither one is ownership over his or her body, but together they are one...and one in the Lord.
12. A good wife enjoys spontaneous activity such as springing a kiss on her husband, taking him out on a date, buying him a nice outfit (if he is okay with this and she is financially appropriate with the amount it costs) to remind her husband how much she loves and appreciates him, rather than relying on her words.
13. A good wife dresses appropriately, in a way that her husband can enjoy, while still maintaining her individuality and modesty to the community.  How you dress is part of your testimony! So ladies, keep is stylish, but don't let your identity suffer or be misunderstood.
14. A good wife keeps herself healthy. Mentally, physically, spiritually.
15. A good wife is sensitive to the emotional needs of her husband. As the leader of the home, the husband might feel he doesn't have time or that it isn't "man enough" to express his stresses/worries or whatever is eating at him, but he isn't superhuman! Therefore........
16. A good wife takes time to learn to read her husband for those hidden moments when he needs a break or encouragement.
17. A good wife picks up her husband's "slack" whether that means laying out his clothes before work to save him time in the morning, gently reminding him of his scheduled plans, errands, etc., or simply making him a lunch for on the go. You aren't his secretary, but you are his helpmate! It is important that the two of you learn to understand that you aren't as effecient without the other, and together can serve the Lord positively in this way.