There’s so much pressure on us guys these days: we’ve got to be successful at the workplace, own a beautiful home, have clever children and keep our wives happy. And which is the hardest to achieve from that list? Yes, you guessed it – keeping your beloved woman smiling. Here are five easy and practical tips on how you can become a better husband:

1. Compliment her. This is a really easy one, and yet so many men fail to do it. The trick is to do it often, and really mean it. Don’t be shy; if she looks amazing in her new dress, tell her so. But don’t just limit it to special occasions; tell her she’s beautiful when she wakes up in the morning, let her know her Spaghetti Bolognese was fantastic, mention how much you appreciate her picking the kids up from school.

2. Help out around the house. If you’re one of those guys who reads a newspaper while your wife is hoovering around your feet, then you need to think again – it’s about time you shared some of those chores. It doesn’t need to be a 50:50 split, especially if you’re the only one with a job, but, if you’re both out at work all day, it’s hardly fair that she does all the cleaning too.

3. Be strong. Although women may say they like guys who are in touch with their feminine side, they don’t want to be married to a cry baby. Women need a strong, supportive figure; someone who will be confident in the face of adversary, who will show them that things are going to be OK. If you crack under pressure, she’s more likely to as well – so stand up straight, and face life’s challenges with confidence.

4. Be romantic. You may have been married for twenty five years, with three screaming teenager in tow, but that doesn’t mean that romance should be forgotten about. On the contrary, romance is perhaps the most important thing to keep alive. Buy some romantic gifts for her, take her out for a moonlit stroll, whisk her away to Venice – whether it’s free or expensive, your romantic gesture will be adored.

5. Don’t take her for granted. This is a cardinal sin, and a trap that countless men fall into. She’s always cooked your meals for you, always cleaned up after you…it’s just the norm, right? Wrong. Although she may do these things, it doesn’t mean they should go unnoticed. Even if you just mention what a great job she’s doing now and again, it’ll go a long way to showing her you notice and appreciate her hard work.