My Husband, My Hero

Recently, my husband, Chris, and I started watching a show on Netflix called Fixer Upper. On the show, Chip and Joanna Gaines transform rundown properties into gorgeous homes, for couples that want to live in a nice neighborhood but are on a budget. Although we enjoy seeing the renovations to each home, our favorite part is watching Chip and Joanna interact with one another. They are a fun couple who seem to genuinely love each other and enjoy working together.

Last night after my husband fell asleep, I decided to watch another episode of the show. Chip and Joanna were playfully bantering back and forth, as they usually do, but during this episode I noticed something different – how Joanna responded to her husband.

Every time he would do something to show off for her, such as putting a bowl on his head and trying to do a “no hands” bowl catch by flipping more bowls off of his foot into the air (you would have to see it to appreciate the scene), she would affirm him. Joanna would say, “you’re my hero,” or some other phrase to express the same sentiment. As you might have guessed, Chip’s face beamed with pride because he had impressed his wife.

I didn’t give the show much after thought, until this morning when I noticed something interesting; Chris was trying to show off for me.

I was surprised.

I immediately remembered Joanna’s reaction to Chip.

I lovingly responded, “you are my hero, honey.”

My husband’s face lit up like a Christmas tree.

I then asked him, “were you trying to show off for me?” To which he replied, “YES!” I grinned sheepishly, as I realized that my guy was “crushing” on me. I felt like a shy teenage girl for a minute. It was a sweet and tender moment that turned into a day of my husband willingly doing household “fix it” and cleaning projects – all of which he did well.

Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t think Fixer Upper inspired him to impress me today, but it did make me more aware of my oversight. I am sure he has done similar things to get my attention throughout our almost 22 years of marriage, but I have not focused on why he was doing them. I just thought he was being goofy.

Although I regularly tell Chris that I love and appreciate him, I think I have missed some great opportunities to help him feel special. That makes me sad. I will not make the same mistake in the future.

Unfortunately, I can’t be the only wife that has missed this one.

So, ladies please learn from my mistake.

If your husband is acting like a goofball, he might be trying to get your attention. Don’t assume that he is just being silly or trying to annoy you. Pause and scope out his intentions. Just think, if you take a minute to remind him that he is your hero, you might get a happier husband and a repaired/cleaner house. What could be better than that?