Spoiling your wife is not the same as spoiling your child. We’d hesitate spoiling a child because as they say, spare the rod and spoil the child. You know what happens when a child grows up not fending for himself and expecting others to cater to him all the time? After awhile he’s viewed like the Bubonic plague. Run!

But spoiling your wife is different. For as long as you know that she meets all the “specs” of what a good wife is supposed to be, she deserves the red carpet treatment every now and then. It’s a re-affirmation of your appreciation for the little acts of kindness she does for you. Not to mention the little peccadillos you do that she tolerates lovingly.

You know the schpeel. A wife in love has a huge reservoir of patience and understanding. In her eyes, those trifling offenses you feel guilty about are just that – trifling. It pays to be in her good graces, if you know what we mean.

If you’re not in the habit of spoiling your wife, she’ll grow very tired of waiting for you to pull up your socks. If we reward employees in the office for doing a good job, why don’t we reward her for all the work she does at home? Even if she doesn’t have a career and is a stay-at-home mom, she’s still a workhorse. Perhaps you don’t see it because you’re tired coming home after a gruelling day at corporate, so you’re clueless as what it takes to keep the house clean, cook, go to PTAs, keep the kids from fighting, do maintenance work, hurry to the grocery store and keep track of overdue bills. Or take your car to the garage.

In fact, have you heard the old complaint? Married women think of their husbands as the equivalent of two additional kids in the family – because some men just need a lot of mothering. Note guys, we said “some.” But if men treat their wives well, they’re prepared to turn a blind eye to their husbands’ shortcomings. Fall short of their expectations and you’re in big trouble.

Why Spoling Your Wife is “Cool”

For married couples, the reasons are obvious, but it won’t hurt to take a long hard look at them one more time:

because women are basically and fundamentally emotional creatures. Being the emotional creatures that they are, they are very sensitive to word and deed, especially coming from their husbands. Why do you think that after 10 years of marriage, husbands learn to keep a stiff upper lip and not dare go into a lengthy discussion with the wife. Picture this:

Wife: Hon, how do I look in this dress?

Husband: You look absolutely stunning.

Wife: Are you BS’ing me again?

Husband: Of course not. I think you look great in that outfit – like it was made especially for you.

Wife: You think so? Why, what is it you like about it in particular?

Husband: Nothing in particular honey. It’s just the overall effect. It brings out the best in you.

Wife: But surely there must be one thing about this dress that stands out for you?

Husband (beginning to struggle with his words): Er…hmmm. Let’s see…I think it’s the cut, honey, it becomes you.

Wife: The cut? I think it’s the color. The color was the reason I bought it. Don’t you think the color is perfect for my skin color?

Husband: Er…yes…as a matter of fact it does.

After a few years, husbands become wary about making comments regarding their wife’s figure, hair, make-up or attire. They know that one comment will trigger a discussion that could last a day or two. Nevertheless, it would really be noble of you to compliment her every now and then on what she’s wearing, even if deep down, it makes you shrivel like a prune.

because not spoiling your wife will cause her to think that maybe you’re spoiling someone else.

Wife: how come you don’t take me out for dinner anymore like you used to? Are you having an affair?

Husband: I’m what?

So, can you really deal with that question? That question is like a volcano that’s about to erupt. Keep the volcanic lava in by taking her out for a fancy dinner.

because “memories are made of these”

spoiling your wife conveys the message that you think the world of her. Spoil her even if she’s turned gray, is wider at the hips and has ankles as thick as cereal bowls. Surprising her with an expensive gift once in awhile will stay in her memory.

Wife: sweetheart, remember that jade bracelet you bought me 30 years ago?

Husband: Sure. I know, I know. You still have it.

Wife: actually no. It fell in the manhole a week after you gave it to me and I was too afraid to tell you. But I thought that was so sweet of you. It wasn’t even my birthday!

because any woman, no matter how self-confident, wants to be assured that she’s loved and cherished. It gives her a feeling of wholeness, of fulfillment.

Wife: you don’t say the three important words that matter to me?

Husband: Didn’t I say so this morning at breakfast?

Wife: Yeah, but that was breakfast. A lot can happen in 24 hours, you know. Say it again, please.

Ways of Spoiling Your Wife

We won’t recommend the usual flowers and chocolates because those are old hat. Our suggestions are a little more out of the ordinary.

• ask her to take a walk in the rain with you – get wet first and then get wild… with your words. Say, “you look so desirable and child-like with your hair wet like that.”
• give her 12 prepaid tickets for a one-hour massage at her favorite spa
• hire a night club singer or a pub crooner for a couple of hours. Give him your wife’s office address and have him bring along his guitar so he could sing her a song in front of her colleagues. Maybe a song like “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction” will get her all pumped up. No…that’s a bad choice. Make it “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.”
• take her canoeing in a nearby lake and say, “sweetheart, when I hit the lottery, I’ll buy you a yacht that will sail as far as the Mediterranean. In the meantime, could you help me steer this canoe so it doesn’t go off course?
• give her a new VISA card with a $1,000 limit and say, “take this, my love, and buy whatever you want.” When she’s gone shopping, fish out her old VISA card and cut it into bite-size pieces.
• if she cooks dinner most days of the week, tell her you’ll cook one night. If she says no (you burned the lasagna last time, remember), take her out for a fun night and have smoked meat sandwiches and a lemonade.

We’re sure you can come up with a dozen other ways of spoiling your wife. You probably sifted through many relationships before you decided to tie the knot with her so you must have a few little tricks up your sleeve.

If you’re at a loss, ask your beer or golf buddies the next time you see them. Don’t spoil your marriage because you didn’t spoil your wife enough.

Do it. Spoil her rotten!