It's the little things that matter

What's the secret to a happy marriage?  That must be one of the hottest topics for TV daytime talk shows and self-help books. 

But in reality, there is no secret.  It's actually quite simple.

The answer?

Empty out the dishwasher.

Steve Carrell once said on an episode of Ellen when she asked him what his secret for his marriage of 16 years to his wife was, "I empty out the dishwasher".  Bravo, Steve!

He said it is the little things you do in a marriage that make a difference.  Sure, giving your wife diamonds would be nice.  Uh huh, very nice.  But it's the simple things you offer to do that really shows her you love her.  For him, it's helping to empty out the dishwasher.  He goes on to say that his wife makes him coffee in the morning.  She gets the coffeemaker ready the night before and sets the timer.  And because he gets up and out of the house early before she does, his coffee is made and ready when he wakes up.  Something simple like that shows him that she loves him and is thinking about him.

You know what?  Steve is right.  He hit it right on the nail.

It's not the materialistic things that make a marriage (or any relationship) work.  It's the thought you put into doing a simple act that shows your significant other that "Hey, I'm thinking of you.  I'm going to do this for you so you won't have to."  Women are constantly complaining that their husbands don't take out the trash, don't help with the housework, don't put the toilet seat down...blah, blah, blah.  And guess what?  Most of them don't.  I know mine doesn't.  But it would mean alot if they did.  Men reading this right now are probably thinking....yea right, like my taking out the trash is gonna stop her from nagging at me all the time.  Uhhhh, you're right...it won't.  Well okay, it will for about 5 seconds.  But at least it's one less thing she'll have on her list to nag to you about.  And who knows, it may lead to some sex tonight.

And don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that all men are guilty.  There are wonderful boyfriends and husbands out there, like Steve, that take the time out to do that extra something.  And no, they're not gay.  Simple acts like...taking out the trash, emptying out the dishwasher, or emptying out the dryer.  Believe me, it means alot to us! 

Mind you, women are guilty as well.  Instead of nagging at your man all the time, realize that he works hard to bring home the bacon and it's okay if he forgets to take out the trash once in awhile, or doesn't offer to help with the housework, or forgets to put down the toilet seat.  Cook him a nice meal or give him a nice back rub.  Heck, go all out and offer him SEX! 

You get the point.

Sometimes it really is the little things you do that can make the difference. 

Thank you, Steve.