No one likes to see their spouse or partner gaining weight. It breaks up the happy couple or solstice and makes you feel less of a woman or man. So it’s natural that you’d want to do everything within your power to help them lose weight.
But how do you make them understand? Do you need to be cold and calculating, or can you go the extra mile and use your feminine wiles? Let’s explore the ways in which you can convince your partner to drop some pounds.
Be Their Friend First
You don’t need to love them just because they’re your spouse or partner. You can be their friend first and build a strong foundation for a successful partnership.
Being their friend means you’re there for them when they need a shoulder to cry on or just someone to hang out with. It shows you’re committed to their wellbeing and want the best for them.
In a relationship, your partner is going to rely on you for support, so try not to let them down by being unresponsive or distant. They’re likely to feel rejected and insecure, especially if they’re not used to getting attention from others.
Be The Person They Can Confide In
Sometimes, your spouse or partner will feel unsafe or insecure around their friends and family members. They might even feel a little uncomfortable being the center of attention in a group of people they care about.
The reason for this is that it’s not easy for your spouse or partner to trust someone they don’t know or have not had the opportunity to get to know. Therefore, it would be best if they can confide in you and feel confident that you’ll keep whatever they say to you private.
This is why it’s important to be their friend first. By showing you’re there for them when they need you, it’ll make them feel comfortable enough to share their innermost thoughts with you.
Ignore Any Unhealthy Habits
It’s sad but true that some people actually believe that starving yourself will make you lose weight. While there’s no disputing that food can become an obsession, overeating can cause your weight to skyrocket rather than stabilize. So if your spouse or partner is trying to lose weight through dieting, it’s important that you intervene.
Dieting is a slippery slope. It leads to yo-yo dieting, which results in fatigue and eventually, boredom. When that happens, it’s typically the cue for another binge or purge cycle. People who are struggling with an eating disorder such as anorexia or binging should consult a professional to get help.
Instead of telling your spouse to lose weight, focus on how much you love them and how happy you make them. It’ll be easier to nudge them towards a healthier lifestyle if they feel appreciated and that your intentions are positive. For example, you could say, “Honey, I wish you would try out some of the delicious recipes my momma used to make. They’re not serving meat these days, but they have a lovely flavor that I know you’d love.”
Don’t Forget The Little Things
Sometimes, a simple, “Thank you” will do wonders. Even if you don’t feel like you did anything special, just a simple “Thank you” can make a spouse or partner feel appreciated. So, if you want to convince them to lose weight, start by saying, “Thank you for…”
You can fill in the blank with anything that matters to them. Maybe you noticed they like to walk in the park sometimes. You could say, “Thank you for walking with me in the park yesterday. That felt nice.” Or maybe you saw them struggling with the laundry the other day, so you offered to help. You could say, “Thank you for letting me help with the laundry. It feels nice to know I can still be of service.” All of these statements are true, and it shows the underlying effort you’re making to help. Little things like these can go a long way in terms of building a better relationship and helping your spouse or partner feel loved.
Now, you may not want to go overboard and complicate things. After all, they’re already struggling as it is. But small gestures like these can make a world of difference. So don’t forget the little things and be sure to say “Thank you” often.
Make Sure They Feel Loved
There’s also a delicate balance between being their friend and being their lover. For example, it’s not uncommon for a spouse or partner to feel jealous or upset when their friends show more attention to your partner than to them. This can make them feel disconnected and even push them towards unhealthy behaviors in an effort to feel accepted.
But if you want to convince your spouse to lose weight, you need to make sure they feel loved first. The best way to do this is by simply being there for them and showing them how much you care. You could make them a meal or get out some wine and candles and make some romantic music. You could also give them a massage or lay in bed with them and cuddle. This is a simple yet effective way to prove that you genuinely care and will do whatever it takes to show them that they’re the center of your universe.
Lose Some Of That “Singleton” Attitude
If you’ve been holding out hope that you’d somehow win the singleton lottery and find a spouse who cares only about you, you’d be sadly mistaken. Eventually, you will grow older and wiser and learn that life isn’t a competition, it’s a partnership. And just because you happen to be alone now, it doesn’t mean you’ll always be. You can teach your spouse to be more open-minded and realistic about love. And, as hard as it may be, you have to let go and accept that you’ll never be totally protected or assured of someone’s love. The key is to become more mature as a person and less of a child. This will help you accept and deal with whatever life brings you.
Be Brave
Unfortunately, trying to change your spouse’s habits and eating behaviors can be quite the battle. It can take a lot of patience and, in some cases, counseling. If you want to convince your spouse to lose weight, don’t be discouraged. Simply try your best and be patient. In time, it’ll all be worth it.
Every marriage and partnership is different, but generally, your spouse or partner will appreciate your effort. They’ll feel happy that you’re trying to make them healthier and will be more likely to listen and obey your commands. So go ahead and take the reins. Shout out those stubborn pounds and be proud of your husband or wife for making the right choice for their own health and happiness. Who knows? Maybe, in time, they’ll even thank you for pushing them towards a healthier lifestyle.