At 8:35 AM, Chantel Harding said…

Thank you, Gretchen. We all need that reminder once in a while that making the happiest homes in the world starts now, not once we find our guys. Much of this echoed with something in my own heart, but I most certainly plan to take it a little deeper to heart, and… remember to clean out the hair from the drain after each shower.

At 12:02 PM, Celeste said…

Thank you for this… I’m about to be married in exactly a month from today and your words truly bless me deeply. I’ll be reading this over and over again in the coming years. Thank you sister.

At 12:13 PM, Anonymous said…

Gretchen,

Thank you so much for this post. Being recently married, it is full of good reminders. Especially about just being there with him when he has had a hard day. That was very timely for me. You’re always such a blessing and I’m so very thankful for your ministry on YLCF. Thank you!

In Christ,
Christine Brown

At 1:04 PM, Anonymous said…

Thank you, Gretchen for this reminder that we must begin now, not when we find our guy, to make a happy home and marriage. I think that those of us who are still single with no one in sight, can apply this to our dads and brothers. After all, aren’t they the ones we get to practice on before Mr. Right shows up!? Thanks again for the reminder, and maybe I should consider cleaning out the hair from the shower when I’m through!

~Allison

At 2:41 PM, Anonymous said…

Thanks, Gretchen! I never thought about the little things I do that my dad and brother don’t do (like turning clothes right-side out, pushing in chairs, hanging up coats…) as being preparation for a home of my own. And all the other things you list as well–looking for bargains, encouraging them, getting their meals… Thank you for the reminder that the best practice for my own home is right now!

At 3:28 PM, Allison said…

I appreciate that reminder, Gretchen. As a newlywed, I am discovering the importance of doing the “little” things that honor my husband as we are instructed in scripture (and it is such a joy to honor him anyway). For my husband, it is clean laundry and good meals. Which reminds me, I need to go start a load of clothes…

At 6:04 PM, Anonymous said…

Thanks, Gretchen:). It IS nice hearing that while we’re in the waiting and don’t have a special someone (and it seems he doesn’t even exist sometimes!). It’s always a blessing to hear about a real-life marriage that is godly, happy, and healthy.

At 6:26 PM, Lauren said…

You know, I’ve heard most of that before, but a reminder is always wonderful. Two of your points, though, were a bit novel, and especially “hit home” for me:

“Make a habit of the tasks he overlooks.” It’s so easy to nag and chide about those instead of help.

“Learn what spells ‘home’ to him.” I like this one! How wonderful! I practiced this one this evening, with your post in mind!

Thanks so much for the practical tips! I’m not married, but I’m living at home, trying to “practice” all of this with my dad!

Many thanks for everything ya’ll do on this site!

~Lauren

At 7:44 PM, Anonymous said…

Thanks for all the hints, Gretchen…they’ve been filed away in my memory for future reference when there is a guy in my life!

~Lois

At 10:46 PM, emily said…

Hi Gretchen!
Wonderful post- seriously. I love all of the ideas and reminders, and I LOVE LOVE ylcf’s messages of the importance of cherishing marriage, husbands, and of looking for the best in our husbands, building them up, being unconditionally loving, supportive, “on their team”, etc.

I did have a question, though. In this article you said “Don’t contradict him in front of others (or in private!)”. I couldn’t agree more about not contradicting our husbands (or, really, almost anyone else unless absolutely necessary) in public!! But I did wonder about never contradicting them in private. Is it really wrong (in your opinion, obviously ) to ever contradict or disagree with your husband? Obviously, I’m not talking about being belligerent, rude, or belittling, but it seems that in any marriage- or relationship- disagreements WILL occur. Obviously the husband is the leader, and of course in no relationship do we need to LOOK for things to disagree on or criticize, but do you believe that it’s wrong to ever contradict your spouse?

I would love to hear your (or those of anyone else who reads this!) thoughts! Again, love your work.

Thanks! Emily Goldberg

At 11:50 PM, Natalie Marie said…

Emily,
I can’t say exactly for sure what Gretchen meant, but the way I read that post, I believe the point is to not be argumentative, nitpicky, and disagreeable. Contradict, for me, carries a negative connotation. Definitely you will not always agree but presenting a united front and working through differences with mutual submission and respect (submitting to each other as two equal heirs in Christ) should be done in private.

At 5:22 AM, Elizabeth said…

This is so beautiful! It’s the mundane ‘little things’ that all add up to make the beautiful whole, in relationships and in home-making. Thank you for the reminder to start working on making the ‘little things’ now, making them second-nature even marriage!

At 9:29 AM, Monica said…

oh my gosh, gretchen… i’m speechelss. thank you so much.

At 4:42 PM, Annie said…

if there is a part 2 and I just cannot find it, PLEASE email me… THANKS!