It’s February … the month of love! I adore Valentine’s Day and all the red and pink and hearts. But let’s face it, marriage is hard work. We have to be vigilant to protect and preserve the relationship.

How we speak to and about our husbands is one of the most obvious and important ways we invest in our marriages. Learning to be kind and gracious with what we say and how we say it is an endeavor we all need to make.

Here is a list of ten ways to speak well of your husband as you start off this happy, heart-y month.

1.  Speak well of him in your prayers.   Rather than asking God to change him, spend some time asking God to show you how to pray for this man in your life.

2.  Speak well of him to yourself.  Remind yourself of those things you love about your husband.

3.  Speak well of him to your children.

4.  Speak well of him to your mother.  I know the temptation to “vent” to your mom when he drives you crazy.  Resist!!  You’ll move past it … she might not.  {This applies to everyone in your family as well.}

5.  Speak well of him to his family.   No matter how close you are to your in-laws, it’s never a good idea to vocalize those personal frustrations you have about your husband to them.

6.  Speak well of him to your friends.  Don’t join in the “husband bashing.”   It’s a dangerous path!

7.  Speak well of him to other women.  You have a great opportunity to model being a supportive wife for those who are watching you.  {Use discernment about what you share and with whom.}

8. Speak well of him to his coworkers (and their wives).  Be cautious about sharing personal details in general with your husband’s coworkers but never speak disparagingly about him to those with whom he works.

9.  Speak well of him whenever the opportunity presents itself!  But may I suggest that you be wise in what and where you share.  It’s easy to use a Facebook status to express your fondness but make sure your motivation is truly to bless him and not to draw attention to yourself.  After all, if he is a private person, he may not appreciate the public attention.

Which brings me to a final suggestion:

10.  Speak well of him to him.   Take time to communicate with your husband your appreciation for who he is and what he does.

I’m just over halfway through the “31 Verses to Pray for Your Marriage” series on my website.  If you want to join me in praying Scripture for your marriage every day through Valentine’s Day, you can find the prayers and words of encouragement at www.terilynneunderwood.com.