Everyone grew up with a childhood BFF. They were the jelly to your peanut butter, the confidant for all your secrets and the keeper of every pinky promise. You two did everything together.

When you're young, it's pretty incredible what a difference your best friend forever can make. Rachel May Stafford recently took to Facebook to share an experience her daughter had with her best friend who unfortunately fell subject to racist bullying.

Stafford said her daughter explained tearfully that she asked her friend if she was OK after hearing the racist comments, but she didn't respond.

"So I just scooted closer," Stafford said her daughter told her. "I didn't know what to do, Mama, so I just hurt with her."

I just hurt with her

"It took me a moment to recover from that," Stafford said in her post. "I filed those powerful words away and continued observing this mighty pair."

She went on to explain her admiration for the best friend duo, saying that they have always been there for each other.

"Whether one gets hurt on the playground ... whether one is getting new glasses and needs an honest opinion ... whether one needs encouragement at basketball tryouts ... whether one is frightened by a dog ... they respond compassionately to each other's needs."

She said that even when they have disagreements, they manage to talk things through calmly and effectively.

She shared a story of taking the two girls to basketball camp, only to arrive and see that they were the only two girls at the camp. They fist bumped, then went on to enjoy their time at camp.

On the last day of camp, Stafford's daughter looked at her best friend and said, "'Thank you so much for going with me to that new camp. If you hadn't been there, I don't know what I would have done!'"

Her friend looked her straight in the eye and said, "'If you ever have to go to a new basketball camp, don't worry. I will always go with you."

The kind of friend everyone should have

Stafford said she hopes the world takes note of a friendship like this.

"What if we collectively remember, 'I'll hurt with you,' is something we can all do when we don't know what to do?"

She said we should stop looking at it as "my back" or "your back," but rather, "our backs," so we can create a unified, peaceful world for our future generations.

She shared a picture of the two girls sitting on a football field and explained that the two of them have a little team of their own. But their team goal isn't to win or be the best, it's to love.

These sweet young girls are setting the perfect example of the love we should all have for one another, regardless of age or skin color.

"They know that they are stronger together than they are alone," Stafford said. "Let us take note."

The post Girl didn’t know what to do when her best friend was bullied; then she tells her mom 5 words that shake her to the core appeared first on FamilyToday.

Where would we be without our BFF? The one person we go to for everything- advice, good news, gossip, you name it. Through the thick and the thin, they were there. You two have been through a lot together.

Here are 10 things you always meant to thank your best friend for:

1. For loving me during my awkward phases

Whether it was during my pimples and braces phase in junior high, or my bangs and blue highlights in college, you were always there for me, loving me and saying exactly the right thing to help me feel better about myself.

2. For never saying "I told you so"

Even after ignoring the advice I asked you for in the first place, you never rubbed it in my face. You told me to drop that boy, but I kept running back to him. Then, heartbreak after heartbreak, I'd come crying to you. And you were always there for me. Every. Single. Time.

3. For never holding grudges

Everyone knows the two of us fight like an old married couple. But we can quickly move on and laugh about those silly arguments. We've learned not to take things too seriously, and we've been together long enough that not even the worst kind of fight could get in the way of our friendship.

4. For letting me be selfish

Sometimes I get caught up rambling on about my day and my own problems without stopping to ask how you might be doing. If that ever upset you, you never mentioned it. You let me lay all my problems on your shoulders and never asked for anything in return.

5. For planning out your life with me

From the time we were children, we planned out our future lives together. We gave names to all of our imaginary husbands and drew our houses- obviously, we were always neighbors. You made the idea of growing up a lot less scary. It even felt exciting, knowing I'd have my best friend by my side the whole way.

6. For sharing all of my obsessions

Whether it's listening to Train's Christmas albums in July or crying together over the most recent Grey's Anatomy drama, you were there with me so I didn't have to do it alone. And we're both so invested in these hobbies of ours that we don't even remember which of us introduced it to the other.

7. For letting me drag you along on all those awkward double dates

Whether it was a date I really didn't want to go on, or simply a date I was nervous for, you always let me drag you along- usually with my date's best friend. No matter how awkward the dates ended up being, you and I always made some great memories.

8. For never being jealous

It was hard when we both moved and went our separate ways, but we knew not even distance could get in our way. As we each started establishing our own lives, we made new friends and new memories. But you never felt threatened with my new friendships, which I loved. I never had to feel uncomfortable talking about my new life and new friends because I knew you were happy for me. We both know nothing comes close to us, anyway.

9. For embracing all my strange food cravings through the years

...like that night we made strawberry crepes and garlic bread for dinner, or that time we went to Taco Bell and McDonalds for lunch. You saw the strangest sides of me and never questioned it; you just went right along with me.

10. For being my person

Every time we watch anything with a BFF duo, we decide who's who. You're the Rachel to my Monica, the Lorelai to my Sookie and the Cristina to my Meredith. You're my soul sister, and I know you'll be there for me no matter what. And I'll always be there for you.

Your best friend has been there for you through all the ups and downs. Let them know how much you appreciate them!

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No matter how many children you have, every pregnancy and labor is completely different. Even if you think you know what to expect, you're always in for a surprise.

Ashley Moreau was eight months pregnant with her third child when she woke up late one night to use the restroom, thinking she had another month left of pregnancy.

But she was already in labor, and she didn't even realize it

She was in the bathroom when her water broke, and when she looked down, she saw her unborn son's legs sticking out of her.

Her fiancé was working nights, so the only person she could call for help was her 10-year-old son, Jayden Fontenot.

Jayden ran next door to get his grandmother, who called 911. Unfortunately, she had recently undergone a surgery, so was unable to help her daughter with her breached baby.

Jayden raced back to the bathroom to find his mother bleeding out on the floor.

"I said to him, 'You're going to have to deliver your brother, and we have to do it fast because the baby's feet are turning blue and he can't breathe," Moreau said.

Her son stayed calm the entire time, which helped her stay calm

"He said, 'tell me what I need to do and I'll do it,'" Moreau said. "I could see he was scared, but he knew he had to do it."

Fontenot gently pulled his baby brother's legs while his mother pushed. When he was born, he wasn't breathing.

The ten-year-old knew exactly what to do. He ran to the kitchen and grabbed a nasal aspirator to clear his new brother's nose and pump air into his mouth.

"I wasn't even thinking, I was just amazed," Fontenot said. "I didn't know what was going on."

Shortly after, paramedics arrived at the scene and transferred the mother and new baby to a local hospital.

Doctors say it was Fontenot's quick thinking that saved his mother and brother's lives

"Every time I think about it, I just cry," his mother said. "I don't think Jayden understands what he's done and how big it is."

The new baby, named Daxx, spent a week in the NICU, but was able to return home to his family completely healthy.

Fontenot was hailed a hero by the mayor and first responders in their city of Sulphur Louisiana.

The Chief of Police, Lewis Coats, even gave him a certificate to be the chief for a day, whenever he wants.

Then, the mayor took it a step further and gave him a key to the city

"It's a special thing, heroes in our eyes, get the biggest honor the City of Sulphur can do, and we have a big key to give him today," Mayor Duncan said.

Jayden's parents said things at home haven't changed much, but they can never forget what he did that night.

"I am so proud of him," Moreau said. "He is brave, he is strong, he is my hero. I'm just so proud of him. He saved me and his brother's life."

This just shows that heroes come in all shapes and sizes. It was a good thing Morea had such a brave son to help her through such a scary time.

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Stephanie Skaggs is a mother to a five-year-old girl named Baylee, who has autism and is mostly nonverbal. Because of this, many people don't know that she's different from other children unless she has an unexpected outburst.

When Skaggs took her daughter to the Kentucky Kingdom water park, she spent quite some time helping her daughter establish a routine.

"We were practicing very hard on waiting in line, and she was doing well for the most part," Skaggs said in her Facebook post. "We had a routine. Wait in line ... then when we were four from the front, sit on the step, then down into the water then scoot up, then wait at the top of the slide for the OK to go from the lifeguard."

It might seem like a tedious routine to some, but for a child with autism, a routine like this is vital to help keep them happy.

"This was our routine," Skaggs said. "And every time she did it, her understanding of the routine improved and her patience increased."

Unfortunately, not everyone around Baylee stuck to her routine

Skaggs said "children are children," as several little ones didn't understand that they had to wait in line. They would immediately cut the line and go to the front to slide down.

She said for the most part it's no big deal, except for a child like hers. She said Baylee didn't mind that she had to wait a little longer to go down the slide, but "the steps of routine she just learned are now out of whack."

"And to her it feels like the end of the world!" Skaggs said in her post. "Coping with unexpected change is another skill we practice everyday."

She said it is an especially difficult lesson to teach her daughter, but it's even harder in public with lots of people around. Many people — especially children — don't understand why Baylee acts the way she does.

"I dread it," Skaggs said. "Not what she will do but what other people will do."

Skaggs braced herself for an outburst from her daughter and a negative reaction from those around her.

Then, something wonderful happened

A young girl standing in front of Baylee and her mother turned to them and said, "she can go ahead of me."

"Baylee had not had an opportunity to get upset yet, so I am not sure exactly why she did it," the mother said. "I felt like maybe she could tell by the way I had been talking to her that she had special needs."

Skaggs said she thanked the girl and told her how sweet she was.

But it happened again

"It wasn't long before we found ourselves in the same situation, when a young boy this time was in front and offered to let Baylee go ahead," she said. "He could tell she was not understanding what happened."

Skaggs praised the boy's behavior and moved on ahead.

"I was struck that two different children would be so intuitive and kind," she said. "Like most autistic children, Baylee does not LOOK any different than any other child. And it's not really immediately obvious by her behavior either."

She said she guessed the kind children were between the ages of 8 and 10, so she didn't understand how they noticed that Baylee may have needed a little extra kindness.

Then, Skaggs realized something ... the boy and girl were brother and sister

The boy and girl were playing together, and that's when Skaggs noticed their striking similarities. She approached the two of them and asked where their mother was so she could thank her.

In her Facebook post, she addresses the mother of these two wonderful children.

"I made sure to let your kids know how nice it was for them to be kind and understanding but I wanted YOU to know that you are raising two wonderful children," she said in her post. "When I came to you and told you about my experience with your kids and told you that they were super kids and you are doing a great job, you said 'I don't know about that.' Well, mom, you are. A small gesture like theirs may not seem like much. But I promise it was."

She said that not only did those two kind children help prevent any meltdown on Baylee's part, but it gave her hope as a mother.

"It made me happy to know that more moms are raising their children the way you are!" she said.

Though she spoke to the mother at the water park, she is now hoping her Facebook post will go viral so it reaches that same mother — so she can again see what a wonderful difference her sweet children made for Skaggs and her daughter Baylee.

This just goes to show what an impact kind gestures can have on others. It also serves as a reminder that you mothers are doing better than you think you are.

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If there's anything that can cheer me up on my bad days, it's Ava Ryan's hilarious videos. If you're ever on Facebook, you've probably seen her videos floating around.

It started several years ago when she was just a toddler. Her parents started recording her looking out the window at a sunset, saying repeatedly, "I smell like beef."

Since then, Ava has become an Internet sensation. She has even created a few "characters" for her YouTube channel, such as "Bossy Boss Lady" and "Charlene," your hot mess middle-aged friend.

While her videos are hilariously clever and oddly relatable, there's a heartbreaking story to her adorable sense of humor.

Her comedy helped her mother, Katie Ryan, cope with grief

When Ava was just a toddler, Katie's little sister Sarah passed away.

"Even in those times, Ava was able to make me laugh," Ryan told Today. "My parents, too — they were in such despair and grief. I think Ava gave them a reason to keep going. She became our sunshine — I know it's kind of cliché — in the darkest time of our lives."

Sarah Ryan was born with cerebral palsy and Prader-Willi Syndrome. According to Today, Sarah and Katie were three years apart and extremely close.

"I always kind of looked at myself as her protector in the world, because people weren't always nice," Ryan said.

Katie said Sarah was always a huge fan of children, so she was so excited when Ava was born. The two of them shared a special bond.

"She would sit with Sarah, they'd play stickers," Katie said. "We tried to get them together at least an hour a day, anything to help Sarah get better, to fight through it. Sarah was so adorable. She had such a kind face. Ava really took to that and genuinely loved her."

But in August 2011, Sarah returned to Heaven after suffering from a hernia

"It was such a weird time in my life because I was going through the most grief I'd ever experienced, but I also had this little girl with me who I just adored," Ryan said. "I think just having a reason to get up, and not kind of wallow up my sadness ... I was able to put it aside."

Katie took to Huffington Post to share her beautiful experiences. She said there would be several moments where she would feel "incredibly sad," then Ava would come and tug on her sleeve, wanting to play.

"I would look into her big eyes and be at a loss to refuse," shewrote. "So we played — we played a lot of the time. We played while I swallowed down the sorrow. We laughed; we made characters and games and a whole little world for ourselves that existed only between the two of us. It continued long after Sarah's passing. We have never stopped playing and laughing."

She said her sweet daughter will never realize how much she helped Katie to move on from the loss of her little sister.

"I never placed that on her, nor did I expect her to be my savior," Katie said. "It was simply that she was able to help me see things purely again, to help me realize that I alone had the choice to laugh or cry. To live or to wallow in pain. It's because of her that I began to choose the former."

This just goes to show the difference children can make in our hearts, and the power they have to make such a difference! I can't wait to see where Ava goes in life.

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We all know that fruits and vegetables are good for you. That's a given. But did you know that there are ways to make your fresh fruits and veggies even healthier?

Here are eight foods that are actually healthier after you cook them:

1. Asparagus

Raw, shaved asparagus is delicious on salads, but the vegetable's cell walls are tough, making it difficult for your body to process its vitamins like A, C, E and folate. Cooking the asparagus softens those walls, making it easier to absorb all those good cancer-fighting vitamins.

2. Carrots

Carrots contain a compound called Beta-carotene, which your body converts into Vitamin A. That's why carrots help with your vision - it's actually that Vitamin A! It also helps with healthy skin and your immune health. NPR reported on a study which found that cooking carrots increases their levels of Beta-carotene. Similar to asparagus, the heat softens the vegetable, making it easier for your body to process all the vitamins and antioxidants.

3. Spinach

Spinach has lots of antioxidants, and it has even more after you cook it. Steaming spinach leaves (or even boiling them) helps preserve those antioxidants to improve absorption.

4. Mushrooms

These fun little vegetables are great because they're soft and don't have a strong flavor, so you can easily steam them and throw them in with a stir fry or pasta dish. When you heat them up, they release protein, minerals and vitamins. Plus, mushrooms are full of potassium and fiber, so they'll fill you up.

5. Red peppers

Red peppers contain something called lycopene — a cancer-preventative antioxidant responsible for the pepper's bright red color. When you cook the peppers in something with a bit of fat — like coconut or olive oil, it will be easier to digest and process.

6. Tomatoes

Just like red peppers, tomatoes have lycopene — again explaining their red coloring. Cooking tomatoes for 15-30 minutes with some olive or coconut oil can boost those lycopene levels.

7. Peaches

Remember in middle school when you would eat sliced peaches straight out of a can? As long as you skip the sugary syrups, canned peaches actually have the right idea. The peaches are cooked before they're canned, which brings out their nutritional benefits (like Vitamin C) and maintains them longer than fresh peaches would.

8. Kale

I always knew kale was good for me, but the flavor was just too strong and bitter for me to enjoy fresh. I like steaming or boiling kale to mild out the flavor before tossing it in with a salad or soup. So you can imagine my joy when I realized that was actually making this miracle food even healthier. Cooking kale increases its iron content and makes it easier for your body to absorb its calcium.

It's difficult to convince your kids to eat their greens, but it shouldn't be difficult to convince yourself to eat them. Next time you want to skip the fruits and veggies, remember how much your body will thank you for filling it up with all that good stuff.

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It's a common trend for women and their mothers-in-law to have a little bit of rivalry. You might feel like your mother-in-law is too involved in your new life with your husband, but she might feel like you're stealing her son from her.

Whatever the case is for you, it's important to remember that the "monster-in-law" stigma isn't real. Here are seven things you should definitely thank your husband's mother for:

1. For choosing to give birth

Whether or not you've been pregnant yourself, you know childbirth isn't easy. However often you and your mother-in-law disagree, you have to admit she's one tough lady.

2. For letting you marry her son

When it came time to seal the deal, your husband probably asked your father for his blessing. Your family was involved in the process, but your husband's family wasn't nearly as involved. You didn't ask for his mother's blessing, but she gave it silently. And you're forever grateful for it.

3. For teaching him to take out the trash

She taught him how to do chores, and as he grew older, she helped him learn how to get things done without being asked asked to do so. (OK, maybe you still need to ask him sometimes.) But he's not clueless. And you have his mother to thank for that.

4. For teaching him to be kind

You notice all his little moments of kindness, like playing catch with the kids across the street or helping a widow pack up her things to move. He's a good man, and you're so thankful he had a mother who taught him how to reach out a hand to someone in need. You can't wait for him to be a father (if he isn't one already).

5. For sharing her recipes with you

It can get pretty competitive between in-laws when it comes to cooking, but nothing ever seems to beat mama's cooking. Sometimes, cooking for your husband can be more difficult than trying to get a seven-year-old to eat their veggies, so it means the world to you that she's trying to make things a little easier.

6. For putting up with his stinky socks

She dealt with all of his silly quirks and habits. We both love him so much, but seeing how patient she was with him makes you want to be a little more patient during the hard times, too.

7. For loving your children

Whatever the your relationship might be like, you have no doubt in your mind that she loves being (or can't wait to be) a grandmother. You know she will spoil your kids rotten, and you're worried that sometimes they might like grandma more than they like mommy. But you're so happy to have people in your life to love your children — and offer you an occasional break.

Whether or not you consider your mother-in-law your second mom, you have to admit she did a great job raising an incredible man. The next time you have a chance, be sure to thank her and tell her what an amazing woman she is.

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I was in college the first time I noticed puffy, blue bags under my eyes, and I was mortified. I thought baggy eyes were for grandmas; how was I supposed to love this new dating scene with eyes like that?

I had never experienced baggy eyes because I had never been this tired before - college meant a whole new level of exhaustion. And unfortunately, it doesn't get much better after college. When you have kids, they determine your sleeping schedule, and they're seldom kind about it. Life gets crazy and those baggy eyes get worse.

Fortunately, not all hope is lost. You might still be exhausted, but if you feel self-conscious about your puffy eyes, there are remedies! Here are seven secrets to getting rid of those bags:

1. Cucumbers

You've seen women in the movies put cucumbers over their eyes while they're at the spa, but do you know why they do that? Cucumbers are chock full of antioxidants, which can help with irritation and swelling - especially if the cucumber is cooled. Simply cut up a couple of slices, lay them over your eyes for about 30 minutes, and you're good to go.

2. Chamomile tea

Chamomile is used to treat several different ailments like chest colds, upset stomachs and skin problems like eczema, psoriasis and diaper rash. And, of course, it can help with swelling. You can drink the tea or skip that step and just lay the tea bags directly over your eyes to see results.

3. Egg whites

Beat an egg white and apply the foam under your eyes with your finger or a brush. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes. As it dries, the egg whites will tighten and tone your skin, as well as reduce inflammation.

4. Aloe vera

Aloe vera is rich in amino acids, and is antibacterial and antifungal. It moisturizes the skin and provides relief for tired eyes. It can even help prevent wrinkles.

5. Milk

There are several different types of milk you can use for this one: whole milk, soy milk, almond milk, you name it. Simply coat a cotton ball with some milk and gently dab the skin under your eyes. Once the milk completely dries, rinse it off with warm water and pat dry.

The milk will help naturally lighten discolorationaround your eyes and helps calm the puffiness.

6. Cold spoons

Refrigerate a couple spoons for 10 to 15 minutes and placed the rounded portions over your eyes until the spoons are warm. The cold temperatures will help tighten your skin and cause your blood vessels to shrink. Alternatively, you could use ice cubes wrapped in towels.

7. Salt water

Mix half a teaspoon of salt with one cup of warm water, and soak cotton balls in the saline water. Place them over your eyes for a few minutes, then repeat the process for 15 to 20 minutes. The sodium in salt pulls out the excess fluid under your eyes and constricts your blood vessels, shrinking up those pesky bags.

While all of these remedies are incredibly helpful, it's important to remember that these are only temporary. Be sure to drink lots of water, reduce your salt intake and get as much sleep as possible for long term help!

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It's no easy thing, but the most important thing to remember is that if you fall victim to a cheating spouse, it's not your fault. Here are three reasons people in happy marriages cheat:

1. Their emotional dependency on you gives them anxiety

Some people are afraid to get too connected to one person in the fear that they might lose them. They don't like when just one person is their everything, so they feel more comfortable splitting their affection with another person.

2. Lust generally isn't a part of a happy marriage

The term "lust" tends to be taboo these days - it can be associated with aggression, submission and domination. Because happy marriages don't tend to be what some might consider lustful, they search for that satisfaction elsewhere.

3. Routine and predictability can kill their excitement

While stability is a great pillar for living life, some might feel like it stifles creativity and spontaneity. They rely on their comfortable, happy marriage to give them stability, but they get their excitement elsewhere.

While the numbers can be staggering, no marriage is doomed to fail from the beginning. With the startling statistics of infidelity and divorce rates, it might be difficult to have faith in love and marriage, but there is still so much to believe in.

What these numbers tell us is that we need more people willing to fight for love and marriage - we need more husbands and wives who make the commitment to stay faithful through all the hardships. We need more people to use these three ways to fight the statistics and choose love:

1. Communicate

Make it a daily effort to be on the same page with your sweetheart. Confide in each other any fears or concerns you might have - whether or not it's about your relationship. Talk often and consistently. You two should have ultimate trust in each other and not be afraid to make your relationship your top priority in life.

2. Shake things up in the bedroom

Being on the same page intimately in marriage is so important, just make sure to make it fun for the both of you. Having a healthy and intimate relationship strengthens your relationship and bonds the two of you together emotionally and physically.

3. Keep dating

Just because you two have said your "I do's" doesn't mean you shouldn't keep getting to know each other. Go on dates and continue to share special moments together. Take time out of your busy schedules to have fun together, and your relationship will never seem dull.

While the numbers against marriage are staggering, you don't have to lose hope. You can choose to fight for your marriage and get your happily ever after.

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Your wife is an incredible, hard-working woman. She's a fantastic wife, mother, daughter, friend and all around a wonderful human being. She's also the strongest person you know - she knows how to fight through the difficult times with a smile on her face.

While she may be incredibly fierce, she still needs your help. While she's tough and independent, she still needs you to comfort her. Here are eight things she desperately needs to hear you say, but will never admit:

1. I admire you

This is something a man loves to hear from his woman, but women need to hear it, too. Your wife needs to know that you notice all that she does and all that she has to give. Her self-esteem isn't dependent upon the attention you give her, but when you let her know what a valuable asset she is at whatever she does, she'll feel so much better.

2. I'm sorry

Not, "I'm sorry I made you mad," not, "I'm sorry you're so sensitive," just "I'm sorry." Maybe you don't think you're in the wrong. Maybe you think she should apologize first. Whatever your argument might be, put your pride aside and apologize to your wife. Then you two can move forward together, plus, your wife will love having a husband who cares more about you than he does about being right.

3. I need you

Your wife wants to feel needed. She wants to know that she takes care of you the same way you take care of her. When you say these words, you're letting her know how much you appreciate her and everything she does for you.

4. You deserve a break

Many women (especially stay-at-home moms) don't get the credit they deserve. They work hard, so it would mean the world to your sweetheart if you let her know that you not only notice all the hard work she does but also tell her that she deserves a break from it all. You can make it simple, like letting her sleep in on Saturday and getting the kids ready by yourself, or even take her out for a weekend getaway.

5. How can I make your day better?

Maybe she would love it if you could wash the dishes, maybe she could really use a foot massage. Maybe she needs to vent about something and she just needs you to listen. Whatever it is, offer to help her out without thinking of receiving anything in return. That's true love, right there.

6. Will you go on a date with me?

Just because you two are married doesn't mean you two shouldn't be dating anymore. Let her know that you cherish the bonding experiences you two get when you take time away from normal life and go on a date together.

7. What do you think?

Your wife desperately wants to know that you value her opinion and input. Whether you're asking for advice on how to handle a difficult coworker or are considering a move to a new state, make sure you involve her in the big (and sometimes little) decisions. This tells her that you respect her and that you see your marriage as a partnership, not a "president and vice-president" sort of arrangement.

8. I love you

Many men like to show their affection through actions, rather than words. While your wife knows you love her, it would mean the world to hear those three words more often. Make it a daily habit to say "I love you" to your wife.

Your wife knows how incredibly lucky she is to have you as her husband, but sometimes needs a little extra support. She loves you so much, and she'll love you even more if you make a habit of saying these things to her.

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