In the first part of this article we considered how to be a husband of commitment in areas of leadership, finances, romance, mutual interests, and prayer. In the second part of this article we will consider how to be a husband of commitment in four more important areas of married life.

Communication

Your wife must communicate with you to maintain her confidence and emotional stability. She cannot respond adequately without a total relationship. Romance will die without communication. If your wife says that you do not communicate with her enough, seek counsel to help define and correct the problem.

Men and women tend to define communication differently. If a man doesn't look at his wife and listen as she talks (sometimes up to thirty minutes) before giving his opinion, then she feels they have not communicated. Women need to talk to solve a problem. Men tend to want the bottom line with fewer words expressed. Men tend to think before they talk, and women think as they talk. Learn this well.

Husbands, never give your wives the silent treatment. Love requires regular communication. Instead of withholding yourself, open your life to her. Give her words of encouragement. Don't withhold positive words that have the power to heal.

Communication includes talking about feelings of anger. Remember, anger is a common human emotion; you should recognize and deal with it quickly. "Do not let the sun go down on your anger," Paul warned (Ephesians 4:26). Why? Because God knows that when you accumulate anger, it keeps you from putting the past behind you. Only forgiveness heals the past while renewing your hope for the future.

Hurtful words tend to stay around a long time. Sometimes, after little verbal shots you take at your mate, you may spend a lot of time trying to undo them. Be quick to ask for forgiveness when hurtful things are said. Remember, "It is to a man's honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel" (Proverbs 20:3).

Time Management

Being overwhelmed with duties is a major problem for many wives. A husband is in the best position to assist his wife in working out her schedule and priorities. Begin by working out a priority list with your wife. General categories that need to be considered are personal time with the Lord, marriage relationship, relationships with children, career, friendships, church ministry, recreation, and work.

Set a brief planning meeting, perhaps fifteen minutes each Sunday night, to agree on a week's schedule. Help her eliminate activities that leave her overcommitted. After understanding her schedule, help her diversify activities. Arrange for her to be out of the home regularly if you have small children. When possible, commit to staying home to give her that freedom. Remember: taking care of your children when you wife is away is not baby-sitting; it is your responsibility as a husband and father.