10 Ways to Support Your Wife

During a Layoff

No doubt about it, one of the most stressful experiences a married couple can ever go through together is a layoff, if a woman’s career is very important to her. Listed below are 10 ways a man can help his wife maintain her dignity and self-worth, while maintaining his own sense of peace.

1. Pray for Her! Prayer moves the heart of God, and praying for your wife is the number one way you can be a blessing to her. If you can afford it, buy a devotional book for couples and spend time together in prayer each morning.

2. LISTEN TO HER! Many women find personal fulfillment and satisfaction through a career, just as men do, and they feel equally devastated if their job has been eliminated. Men, do not try to fix your wife … listen to her.

3. Talk to her as your equal. Do not talk down to or use condescending tones with her. Everyone needs to feel they offer value and worth in the marketplace, and a layoff closes the door for her. She hasn’t lost her skills and abilities, she’s lost her job. Don’t hold this over her head just because you’re still working!

4. Encourage her to participate in a women’s "walk & talk" several times a week, especially now that she has some free time to do so. Fresh air and exercise, combined with talk-time with other women, is what she needs.

5. Speak highly of her, especially when she’s within earshot of you. Let others know – and let her know – how proud you are of her, whether she’s working outside the home or not. Get her in front of you, knee-to-knee, take her hands into yours, make eye contact, and remind her of all the reasons you married her, and that you’re in this together for the long haul.

6. Express gratitude to your wife – and for her – for who she is, period. Tell her what a good wife she is to you, and acknowledge how hard she is working to look for a new position. Remind her of what wonderful skills and abilities she offers and how any employer would be lucky to have her.

7. Surprise her, if possible, with a gift certificate for a free massage or manicure/pedicure. If you can't afford it, better yet - why not offer to do these things for her ... WITHOUT expecting sex in return?

8. Network with her friends to rally around her for a girl’s night out, or a girl’s weekend. As much as your wife loves you, she needs time with her girlfriends now and then! Give her that opportunity – free of guilt – even if it means babysitting the kids!

9. Find out her dress size by talking to friends or family, then – if possible – buy her the best-looking business suit you can afford, for her to wear during future interviews.

10. Last but definitely not least, give her plenty of physical affection … but without a price tag! Now more than ever, your wife needs to be held. And if sometimes she’s not up for more than that, don’t pressure her. Love her unconditionally, now more than ever.