Learning What Works: 3 great questions to ask your spouse
One of the areas I truly value in my relationship with my hubby is our open communication. Even in those early dating years, we would talk for hours. We talked about our careers, our dreams, our love of music, our relationship with God and so much more. I was always amazed that we could find so much to discuss. It was then we agreed to be willing to be transparent with each other. Learning what questions to ask my spouse helped me out tremendously.
Almost 16 years later, this continues to be one of the strongest areas in our marriage. Now, don’t misunderstand me. Although I am thankful we can talk so freely with each other; sometimes I didn’t want open communication. I didn’t want to hear what he has to say. Because to talk about and through our issues means dealing with some messy and uncomfortable areas. It means dealing with my feelings of anger because he can’t or won’t agree with my point of view. Yet, being willing to talk also meant working toward healing and growth. Meaningful communication meant working toward a healthier version of us.
Even though we talked about a lot, I realized there were a lot of assumptions I made regarding what my hubby thought, experienced, and needed. If you can relate, here are three questions you can ask your spouse.
Question 1: How can I pray for you?
Prayer has had a powerful impact on my marriage. Taking the time to pray for my hubby’s mind, heart, health, relationships and God’s purpose has been and is integral in my role as his wife. The times I wasn’t sure what to pray, I would dig into God’s word and talk to Him about what was in my heart for my hubby.
Although I would regularly pray for my spouse, I never thought to ask him how I can pray for you? For some reason, I just took this for granted. I remember the first time I asked my hubby this question, I was quite surprised by his response. The areas that he requested prayer were not the areas I thought to pray. Knowing what was in his heart helped bring us closer and helped me to have better clarity on what areas to include in my prayer time.
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Question 2: How can I help you?
There are times in marriage that expectations shift, life is busy, and balance is hard to achieve. It can be juggling the responsibilities of a new job, adjusting to living in a new city, or just getting use to life as new parents. As a military family, we are constantly readjusting our home life whether it is preparing for a deployment or even how to be together once my hubby returns home. Regardless, these changes (even good ones) can leave one spouse feeling frustrated or feeling the need to carry the weight of the family.
As much as I think I understand my husband and can read his body language, I am simply not a mind reader. I don’t know what is going on in his mind. So I need to ask the question to identify what I could do to help from his perspective. And you know what, sometimes there wasn’t anything more for me to do. Doing more actually created more stress or only smothered him. At times help meant being still and simply being present. Regardless, I don’t try to assume I know what he needs. I just ask.
Question 3: How can I help improve our relationship?
This last question can be particularly difficult to ask.
When there are growth challenges and disagreements in a relationship, hearing how you can make improvements can be hard to hear. So, we just never really ask the question. Or, if we were honest with ourselves, sometimes the answer could hurt our egos. It is simply easier to assume we are meeting their needs and doing things right.
This question is not meant to be a pass to shame or to tear one another down. Instead, it is a way identify how you can be stronger together. Asking this question is an excellent continuation of “How can I help you?” You both discuss ways that your needs may have shifted due to changing life situations like a promotion, a new baby, or dealing with illness. So if we are going to continue strengthening our marriages, then we need to be willing to hear from our spouse how we can improve.
I have learned to ask these questions regularly throughout our years together. Sometimes I could time it right and I could receive my hubby’s responses without taking anything personal or reacting emotionally. Then other times—well, I didn’t. Either way, these questions have led to rich, honest dialogue that has helped us grow as a couple and maybe they will do the same for you too. Try out these questions to ask your spouse. Whether you talk about all the questions or maybe you decide to start with one, allow the Holy Spirit to guide you through the process.
These are a few questions to ask your spouse. What would you add?
Cheering you on,
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Heather Donovan
Great advice for dating as well!
Mamie L. Pack
Heather DonovanAbsolutely!!
quijuana
I love this post because it’s so self less. And the questions are not complicated and open ended to start conversation. Good post!
Mamie L. Pack
quijuanaThank you!
The Cinnamon Mom
These questions are spot on! I definitely feel like “how can I help you?” can address so many issues, both individually and as a partnership. My husband and I have only been married 5 years, but we quickly learned that it’s important to be direct and not make assumptions about what the other person needs.
monicalorelle
Open communication with my hubby has helped us not bottle feelings. But it was hard at the beginning, he is very reserved and he doesn’t really tell you. This is our one of the reasons that our marriage is growing and are still together for 10 years.
Mamie L. Pack
monicalorelleThat is great Monica! Open communication is so important. How do you all work on it?
Dana
After 11 years of marriage, you’d think I’d have things down pat by now 😂 I love your insightful questions- so helpful to focus on his needs versus only considering mine.
Mamie L. Pack
DanaWe are all still growing and learning Dana! 😊
Sharon jones
Interesting how this is so similar to the one about gettig kids to open up in converstaion Huh! I love the resemblance. Its a reminder of the simplicity!
Good job lady!
Mamie L. Pack
Sharon jonesYes, especially when you think about what talking to your hubby and your sons.
AnnMarie
So simple, why have I not thought of it? I’ve been married over 30 years, and assume I know so much about my husband, (and I do), but I think it’s in the asking that lets them open up to what I don’t know! Thanks for the great insights!
Mamie L. Pack
AnnMarieFirst, 30 years-LOVE it. I am sure you can share some wonderful advice.
Melissa@Finding My Mojo
Great post. As with any relationship, marriage is something that you constantly have to work at to grow it! Great advice.
Angela
Thanks for sharing your advice!
Mamie L. Pack
AngelaThanks Angela!
Nora
I am not married, but I will keep these questions in order to guide my husband to be fulfilled in my marriage.
Thanks for the article
Mamie L. Pack
NoraOh, thanks Nora!
Ashley Lavoie
I love these questions! They definitely open the lines of communication between husband and wife and allow for a deeper connection and understanding of the other. Great tips!
Mamie L. Pack
Ashley LavoieThanks Ashley. Are there any other questions you would add to the list?
Margaret
The how can I help you question is one of the most important ones to ask! Sometimes people don’t know how to ask for help or ask when it’s too late. I like to ask my husband this question often, especially if I notice he’s stressed out due to work. It helps him immensely to know somebody has his back.
Mamie L. Pack
MargaretExactly Margaret! Asking how can I help you communicates I see you and you matter to me.
lifeofababema
I’m always pinning your content! I love this post. Such wise, self-less, insightful, and SIMPLE questions that can have a powerful impact in my marriage. Thank you for this!
Mamie L. Pack
lifeofababemaAwwww Thank YOU!!!! I appreciate that you share the content. Healthy, lasting marriages take consistency, even in our conversations.
Mad Mommy
These are great questions to ask, I always ask how I can help but the others I need to.
Mamie L. Pack
Mad MommyAsking how we can help is such a powerful question and let’s others know we are here.
Shayla Marie
Such a wonderful article, Mamie! I shared it on my page.
Mamie L. Pack
Shayla MarieOh, thank you so much!
Talya
Lovely article I’ll be using how can I help you later!
Mamie L. Pack
TalyaYay! Glad to hear that Talya.
Sweet Family Life
I absolutely LOVE asking your spouse what you can pray for or praying together with them, spot on, great post!
Jenna
Great advice and so true!
I’m going to give these a try!
Mamie L. Pack
JennaAwesome. I hope they lead to great discussion.
Maggie
Great question! Communication is key in a marriage.
Kristine | Smart Living Mama
Great questions! My hubby and I have been married for almost 16 years, and I agree that strong communication is definitely key to making it work! We’ll be adding these 3 questions in now, too. Thank you for sharing!
Ashley Newton
This has me thinking on how I need to take this time at home to reconnect with my spouse. Thank you, these tips are simple, but great!
Mamie L. Pack
Ashley NewtonMaking connections takes intentionality and tenacity. Keep showing up.
Shannon
These are inspiring! How can I help you is such a great question to ask. How can I pray for you shows that you truly care. I know that when I ask these questions to my own husband, he truly feels cared for. Thanks for sharing!
melinda cummings
Communication is key!
Jenn
I think asking the question of “how can I help you” is so important. Sometimes, they don’t want to ask, but need it.
Stephanie
I love these!! 1 and 3 I don’t do enough of. And #2 is a huge one that i love to hear especially lately with two toddlers.
Mamie L. Pack
StephanieOh, been there. At one point we had three kiddos under 5.
Leslie W.
I love the first one – how can I pray for you – so sweet. So meaningful.
Mamie L. Pack
Leslie W.It is a great question to connect you and your spouse.
Hey Danie
Saving for myself! I really need to ask my husband these questions.
Mamie L. Pack
Hey DanieYes. It leads to some great conversations for sure.
thedailyaprilnava
These are some good things to discuss with your significant other. It’s important to keep your relationship strong and thriving.
Mamie L. Pack
thedailyaprilnavaYes. Creating open communication with your spouse is so important.
kimmieklewis
this is the most important relationship we have in our lives. we need to take the time to develop it
Life With Sonia
I had recently asked my partner about his plan for our relationship. His answer was basic but i think i’m going to talk to him again using these questions.
Adriana
Such a great post! Communication is key!
Krystn M.
Communication is so important in a relationship. Being willing to ask questions and see what your spouse needs is so very important. My husband and I have been together for 13 years and the best advice I can give to any couple is to keep checking on each other.
Mamie L. Pack
Krystn M.Yes! Those check-ins are super important.
jasmine
I’m going to be asking my husband these when he gets home today. Especially the last one.
Mamie L. Pack
jasmineYay!! Hope it is the beginning of a beautiful conversation.
Abby
I always really appreciate the second question. These are great simple questions.
Stephany
omg, these are such good questions to ask. Super simple, but sometimes we forget!
Raisa
These are really amazing questions, I particularly like no.3. I might just ask my husband this tonight. If there’s one thing that is important to me, it’s growth, and if there’s anything I can do to help improve our relationship I would go for it. Thanks for this x
Life With Sonia
I can’t wait to get married and share moments like this together. Communication in a marriage is very important and it should be done regularly.
Mamie L. Pack
Life With SoniaThanks for reading Sonia!
Dr Surabhi
Wow very inspiring. I love these questions as they put us before me. Really a great post to help develop a healthy bond with our spouse.
Mamie L. Pack
Dr SurabhiThank you. Open communication is vital.