If your wife isn’t doing these 8 things for you, she doesn’t truly respect you

Let’s talk about respect – it’s a key ingredient in any relationship, especially marriage.

Respect is more than just not insulting or belittling your partner. It’s about acknowledging their worth, understanding their perspectives, and treating them as an equal.

In a marriage, respect from your wife isn’t just about big gestures. It’s those little things she does (or doesn’t do) that truly show how much she values you.

So, if your wife isn’t doing these 8 things for you, it might mean she doesn’t truly respect you. Let’s dive into what these are.

1) Listening attentively

Listening is a fundamental part of every relationship, especially in marriage.

In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to just hear what your partner is saying without truly listening. However, active and attentive listening is a clear sign of respect.

When your wife listens attentively, she is valuing your thoughts and feelings. She’s showing that what you say matters to her and that your opinions are important.

But if she’s often distracted or dismissive when you’re talking, it could be a sign that she doesn’t truly respect you. It’s not about agreeing on everything, but about acknowledging each other’s thoughts and feelings.

Active listening is about more than just hearing the words. It’s about understanding, empathizing, and responding appropriately. And it’s a key indicator of respect in a marriage.

2) Appreciating your efforts

Appreciation can make a day, even change a life. And it’s no different in a marriage.

Let me share a personal example. I work long hours and often find myself taking on household chores when I get home. One day, after a particularly grueling day at work, I came home to a sink full of dishes. Exhausted, I rolled up my sleeves and got to work.

Later that night, my wife noticed the sparkling clean kitchen and thanked me for doing the dishes. She acknowledged how tired I must have been, and her appreciation meant the world to me. It wasn’t about the act of washing dishes itself; it was about her recognizing my effort.

Appreciation is a powerful form of respect. When your wife appreciates the things you do, big or small, it shows she respects your effort and commitment.

If your wife routinely overlooks your efforts or takes them for granted, it might indicate a lack of respect. But remember, appreciation is a two-way street – it’s important to reciprocate the sentiment.

3) Supporting your ambitions

In a healthy marriage, partners support each other’s dreams and ambitions. This support is a fundamental sign of respect.

When she supports your ambitions, she’s saying that she respects your individuality and your right to pursue what makes you happy.

If she’s dismissive or uninterested in your goals, it could indicate a lack of respect. However, it’s important to remember that support also means being honest and constructive, not just blindly encouraging everything you do.

4) Respecting your personal space

Personal space is a fundamental aspect of individuality, and respect for it is crucial in a marriage.

Everyone needs some time alone, to unwind or engage in personal activities. It’s not about pushing your partner away, but about understanding the need for personal growth and self-care.

If your wife respects your personal space, she’s acknowledging your individual needs and interests. It’s her way of saying that she respects you as a unique person, separate from the relationship.

However, if she constantly invades your space without considering your comfort, it might be a sign that she doesn’t truly respect you. Remember, balance is key – there should be room for togetherness as well as individuality in a marriage.

5) Standing up for you

There’s nothing more heartwarming than knowing your partner has your back, especially in difficult situations.

In a marriage, standing up for your partner isn’t just about confronting external threats. It’s about defending their honor, supporting their decisions, and being their rock when things get tough.

But if she remains silent or even sides with others when you’re being criticized or treated unfairly, it might indicate that she doesn’t truly respect you. Remember, a marriage is a team effort. You should both be each other’s biggest cheerleaders and staunchest defenders.

6) Valuing your opinions

In any relationship, disagreements are inevitable. But it’s how we handle these differences that matter.

Take me for example. I’ve always been a bit of a movie buff. I enjoy deep, thoughtful films that provoke discussion. My wife, on the other hand, prefers light-hearted comedies. At first, our movie nights were a battlefield, each of us pushing for our preferred genre.

Over time, we learned to value each other’s opinions. We started taking turns in choosing the movie. This simple act of acknowledging and respecting each other’s preferences has made our movie nights a delightful experience.

It shows that she respects your perspective and wants to understand your point of view.

However, if she often dismisses your opinions without consideration, it could be a sign that she doesn’t truly respect you. Remember, respect means acknowledging differences and finding common ground.

7) Being honest with you

Honesty is the cornerstone of any successful relationship. It fosters trust, builds respect, and strengthens the bond between partners.

When your wife is honest with you, she’s showing that she respects you enough to be truthful, even when it’s difficult. She values your relationship more than any temporary discomfort that a hard truth might bring.

However, if she often hides things from you or is dishonest, it might indicate a lack of respect. Remember, honesty isn’t about being harsh or hurtful; it’s about communicating openly and transparently, creating an environment where both partners feel safe and respected.

8) Prioritizing your relationship

In the grand scheme of life’s demands and distractions, prioritizing your relationship is a powerful demonstration of respect.

She prioritizes your relationship, she’s saying that you matter to her, that your bond is important.

She’s making a conscious effort to nurture and strengthen the connection between you two.

On the flip side, if she consistently places other things above your relationship, it could be a sign that she doesn’t truly respect you. Prioritizing your relationship doesn’t mean neglecting other aspects of life, but it does mean giving it the attention and care it deserves.

Final thoughts: Respect is a two-way street

Understanding respect in a relationship often goes beyond the surface-level actions. It’s deeply intertwined with the essence of empathy, understanding, and love.

As American psychologist Carl Rogers said, “When someone really hears you without passing judgment on you, without trying to take responsibility for you, without trying to mold you, it feels damn good.”

Respect isn’t about grand gestures or lofty promises. It’s manifested in the everyday actions – listening attentively, appreciating efforts, supporting ambitions, respecting personal space, standing up for you, valuing your opinions, being honest, and prioritizing your relationship.

If your wife isn’t doing these 8 things for you, she might not truly respect you. Or perhaps, there’s room for improvement in demonstrating her respect.

However, bear in mind that respect is reciprocal. As much as it’s about what she does for you, it’s also about what you do for her. In the end, a marriage thrives on mutual respect, where both partners feel valued and cherished. It’s this mutual respect that builds a strong foundation for a lasting and fulfilling relationship.