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WHY MY HUSBAND IS AN AMAZING CARETAKER, THE ULTIMATE CONCIERGE

My husband and ultimate concierge, Shelly Good with Honey

My husband shows me he cares just by looking at me. I know he loves me.

Today was one of those days I decided to take a moment and think back on some of my happy memories with my husband, my ultimate concierge. There are so many, I think to myself. And, then out loud I say to America, “Aren’t I lucky to have my husband’s love?”  The word lucky is an understatement. I am blessed. He is the most loving husband. I am so glad to have such a caring partner.

Reflecting on these memories, I realize that the idea of intentionality and purpose truly guides the ways a husband shows he cares.

You might like my stories How to Have a Positive Relationship With Your Retired Husband, and  Why Communication Is the Key to Better Sex After 50.

My Husband and I Are in Sync

As I often write, “We are in sync. He is my Yin. I am his Yang. What does that mean? The Chinese philosophical concept – opposite but interconnected forces. Yin represents shadows, and the more mysterious side of things. That is my ultimate concierge. Yang represents the sun and things that are more out in the open. I am Yang. Together my ultimate concierge and I steady one another. Our relationship makes unshakable magic because he is balance; I am harmony.

Even when we were in ‘crisis mode’ and we have had whoppers, we were  able to survive because we are Yin and Yang. Our devotion is so strong; our attachment so great that I wonder if Yin would survive without Yang and visa versa.

It is interesting to note that we have never smothered one another. We are individuals who have interests apart from one another. But there is a tie to this — we make it a point to show genuine interest in each other’s projects and lives, and take part when asked.

My ultimate concierge asked me to become a golfer. I asked him to learn to play canasta! I love adventure and take the lead in making plans. He never turns down my wanderlust to explore. Yin and Yang.

I thought it would be fun to bring back a story I wrote about our love. It is wise to reflect. Reflection brings back all kinds of memories that make us smile, feel grateful, drive us to be better, appreciate others, teach us, make us remember and give hope. Below is a story of  love.

Building a Strong Foundation

A successful marriage doesn’t just happen overnight, darlings—it’s built, brick by brick, on a foundation of mutual respect, trust, and open communication. My husband and I have always believed that showing physical affection, like holding hands or a gentle touch on the shoulder, is just as important as the words we say. These little gestures remind us that we are cherished and loved.

Spending quality time together is another cornerstone of our relationship. Whether it’s sharing a quiet morning coffee or taking a stroll in the park, these moments help us reconnect and keep the romance alive. My husband nourishes our marriage by regularly expressing his appreciation, never taking me for granted, and always making me feel valued. As Bob Lepine so wisely says, a husband’s role is to care for his wife’s physical, spiritual, and emotional needs. When both partners make the effort to express affection and gratitude, the relationship blossoms, and both husband and wife feel truly loved and respected.

How My Husband Shows He Cares

My husband, shelly good and honey good

My husband, my ultimate concierge, my everything.

A few years back, as I stared out the window of our American flight from Panama to Scottsdale on our way to our grandson Michael’s high school graduation, I began to think of the next important family occasion. It was my husband, Shelly’s birthday, June 4. Being together on that flight reminded me of the importance of my husband’s presence in my life, especially during meaningful family events.

As I continued my thoughts, “What will I buy my special guy?” I suddenly felt his hand take my mine and give me our hand signal… seven short squeezes. The message, “I love you with all my heart.” This is how my husband expresses his love—through small, meaningful gestures that show his ongoing commitment to our relationship. He regularly expresses his affection in these little ways, always showing love through his actions. His efforts to make me feel cherished are constant, and he makes me feel like the most important person in his life. One act of kindness I will never forget is when he surprised me with breakfast in bed on a difficult morning, just to lift my spirits.

He released my hand, only after I reciprocated with seven squeezes, and went back to reading his book on the Mexican cartel and I took out my laptop to share with you darlings, one of the lovely secrets of our marriage. We always talk openly about our feelings and plans, making sure to nurture our mental health and support each other spiritually, caring for our relationship with God. When one of us is wrong, we handle it with humility and respect, always striving to strengthen our bond. As spouses and partners, we make an effort to spend quality time together, and we spend time with our families, including our kids and grandchildren, during special occasions. These moments remind us of the importance of nurturing every child in the family and how families coming together builds strong relationships. Our love has endured, a testament to longer loves, and in the same way that a garden flourishes with care, so do our relationships when we invest time, kindness, and commitment.

I have my very own private concierge!

Do I require one? What darling wouldn’t!

My husband, Shelly, should be awarded, Concierge of the Year! I kid you not! If he applied with ten other applicants for the position of head concierge at the famous George V Hotel or The Ritz in Paris I have no doubt he would be the winner! My husband’s middle name, darlings, is “caretaker!” And I am the recipient!

One day I laughingly commented to a close friend, “I am so lucky. Shelly helps me with everything, even when I don’t ask. I have my own private concierge!”

She replied, “Wait a while! You haven’t been married long enough. You eventually will get tired of that and one day roar like a lioness!”

Have I roared?

No way, darlings! How can you roar at a husband whose middle name is “caretaker?”

My Husband’s List of Services Are a Mile Long!

Honey good and my husband shelly good

Darlings, my husband does it all for me and I like it that way!

He has been my concierge since we married. When he was working full time as the CEO of his company he still had time to engage in my life, non-stop! Now he is working less, so can you imagine the services he provides!

For starters, he prepares and serves me my first cup of coffee, in my French flowered coffee cup, in bed, each morning. He says he makes the best coffee! My husband books our dinner reservations last minute, because he knows everyone knows his name. He walks America, our pooch, each night, keeping me out of harm’s way. He was my Florence Nightingale when I broke my ankle and I swear, darlings, never complained for six months! My husband is my personal driver because I like it that way! I am not a wife who ever says, “I’ll drive!” He responds to all my requests, taking care of my deliverables: gifts, flowers, theatre tickets, and travel arrangements! He resolves and remedies all my problems and would never forget to open my car door!

Quite frankly, now that he is not working as hard, I sometimes feel he has ownership over my life because I have not begun to fill you in on “everything” my ultimate concierge does for me!

And I am so grateful! If you are struggling to be thankful, catch love!

Spending Time Together

Darlings, if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that spending quality time together is the heartbeat of a successful marriage. Life can be busy—children, work, the house, the world pulling us in every direction—but making the effort to be present with your spouse is what creates that special bond only best friends share.

My husband and I make it a point to carve out time just for us, whether it’s a simple walk after dinner, a cozy night in with our favorite movie, or even just talking about our day without distractions. These moments, no matter how small, help us feel connected and remind us why we chose each other. When husbands and wives treat each other as friends, making time to laugh, share, and listen, the relationship grows stronger. It’s the effort and intention behind spending time together that makes us feel secure, comfortable, and deeply loved.

Keeping the Spark Alive

Keeping the spark alive in marriage is an art, darlings, and it’s all about the little things. My husband has a knack for surprising me with sweet notes tucked into my purse or bringing home my favorite flowers just because. These gestures may seem small, but they keep the romance alive and make me feel loved every single day.

It’s not just about grand gestures—sometimes, it’s the way he listens to my feelings, or the effort he puts into planning a special night just for us. When husbands show appreciation for their wives’ thoughts and opinions, and make an effort to stay interested in their lives, it creates a sense of excitement and anticipation. Cooking a romantic dinner together or planning a surprise picnic are wonderful ways to express affection and keep the spark alive. Remember, darlings, it’s the little things and the genuine effort that make a marriage feel fresh, fun, and full of love.

Creating a Sense of Security

There’s nothing quite like feeling safe and cherished in your marriage. My husband creates a sense of security by always being present—emotionally, physically, and spiritually. He listens to my concerns, comforts me when I’m down, and is always there when I need him. This reliability makes me feel comfortable, valued, and deeply loved.

Husbands, when you make the effort to understand your wife’s feelings and show her she is heard, you build a relationship rooted in trust and care. The church teaches us that husbands should cherish their wives just as Christ cherishes the church—providing for their needs and making them feel secure. When a wife feels safe and appreciated, she can truly flourish, and the marriage becomes a haven of love and support.

Communicating Effectively

Communication, darlings, is the golden thread that weaves a marriage together. My husband and I have learned that truly listening—making eye contact, giving undivided attention, and waiting until the other has finished speaking—makes all the difference. When we communicate openly and honestly, we feel heard, respected, and valued.

Husbands, showing affection through words, holding hands, or a gentle touch while talking can make your wife feel loved and secure. Expressing appreciation and making the effort to understand each other’s feelings strengthens the emotional bond and keeps the spark alive. As the Bible reminds us, husbands should love their wives as their own bodies, caring for their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. By communicating effectively and expressing love on a regular basis, you create a marriage that is not only successful but deeply fulfilling for both partners.

Can a Husband’s Care and Attention Be Too Much for a Successful Marriage?

Do I always like it this way?

There are occasions, that I do have to bite my tongue! And there are other occasions I cannot keep quiet and I will say with a half smile, “Why do you have to be so involved in my life? Why do you do everything for me?”

His answer is always, the same. And, darlings, I always melt… He looks up at me with his blue eyes and says, “Because I care.”

And, it is true, he does!

After I wrote this story I read it to him because…

I read him most of my stories because he tells me to change a sentence, a word or a thought! When I wrote the above story, my ultimate concierge told me my grandson’s name Michael should have an apostrophe! He listens so closely … he cares.

When I finished reading he said with a chuckle, “It is my pleasure being your ultimate concierge because you reward me with the ultimate payment … you care!”

I smiled and decided I was going to frame this story and give it to him for his birthday. Then, I closed my laptop; and stared out the airplane window …

And darlings, that is why I told you he would make the perfect hotel concierge. He truly cares.

What are the ways a husband shows he cares? Do take the time to delve into your memory and share in the comments! 

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September 10, 2023

Passages After 50, Relationships

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  1. JoAnn Alexander says:

    Hello darling, I don’t even know you . I looked at a few healthy lifestyle and eating habits posts, few home snaps, then saw this. And I already am hooked. Just saw you via…FB!! YAY!! I already shared you, "my" truest of Honey!!

  2. Marion Tomkinson Thorpe says:

    Honey darling! You lead my Dream life with your kind and caring ultimate concierge. Thank you for sharing your stories that show you are a kind and caring person too. Gratefulness front right and centre & a love that is gentle and kind. You’ll love Singapore & Bali & they will love you! Seasons Greetings from Australia. Forever Grateful here.
    Marion Tomkinson Thorpe 💐

    • Susan "Honey" Good says:

      Marion darling, Season’s greetings from Bali! Thank you for your kind words. Thank you for reading my musings. I will be writint about Bali and Singapore this week. Stay tuned. Warmly, Honey

  3. Sandrala says:

    Honey,
    How fortunate for you!
    I am 73; have never been married or had kidlets.
    Have had 2 “no-load” fiances — one a con-artist. My mistake has been to allow them to pick me! As my Baptist pastor’s minister’s wife once said, “But, she has had alot of boyfriends!” One friend thinks I am a genius cuz I never got married; I like being single, but it is alot of responsibility.