30+ Qualities of a Good Husband (According to 10+ Experts)

No one is perfect, everyone has their quirks and character flaws, and there’s no blueprint for what makes a good husband. However, there are certain qualities that most people desire their partners to have.

But what does being a “good husband” really mean? Should they be a good and reliable provider for their family? Or is being emotionally present more important?

According to experts, here are the qualities of a good husband:

Someone who is reliable

A good husband is reliable. If he says it, you can count on him to do it. This can be anything from fixing something, buying, cleaning, or taking you somewhere, and he will do it. 

A reliable husband will drop everything and make himself available, no matter time, distance, or cost. 

Other times, there are situations where the request may not be as urgent or need immediate attention, or the husband may have a different definition of urgent or needing immediate attention than his spouse. 

In those instances, the husband may not drop everything and “make it happen.” But he’ll still communicate a ballpark estimate for it to happen, and you can rest assured a reliable husband wants to accomplish what he says he will do.

Someone who is willing to change

A good husband is willing to change. It’s often said that a woman should not try to change a man. And this saying is absolutely true. Women cannot and therefore should not attempt to change men. 

But, they can let their husbands know when something they are doing is causing pain, makes them feel unsafe, unheard, undervalued, or anything else causing conflict in the relationship. 

If a wife communicates what she needs clearly, a good husband will take her request to heart and slowly but surely, make the necessary changes, where appropriate, of his own volition.

Additionally, anyone who is willing to grow personally must be willing to change. That attribute will serve us all in any endeavor or relationship. And a good husband should embrace self-improvement. 

He should want to become a better version of himself to positively impact those around him in his career and at home. The better he is, the better he can make those around him. These personal upgrades occur when there is a willingness to change.

Related: How to Be a Better Husband? (44 “Not to Miss” Expert Tips)

Someone who values his wife’s aspirations

A good husband will value his wife’s aspirations. When two individuals choose to join their lives together, they become one. They share a home, they may have children together, and in most cases, they legally share financial obligations, to name a few. 

In becoming one in marriage, the happiness and fulfillment of each part produce a healthy whole. 

A good husband recognizes that his wife is a person with unique interests (separate from his own), and much of his satisfaction is actualized as he uses his time, resources, and skills to assist her. 

He gets excited and takes pleasure in seeing his wife achieve goals in hobbies, education, travel, career, entrepreneurial pursuits, and the like. Marriage works best when there are two fulfilled individuals working together and helping one another achieve at the highest levels they desire.

Someone who is willing to cast a vision with his wife 

A good husband creates a vision with his wife for the marriage and family. It is important for husbands to forecast milestones.

As parents, spouses often lose sight of each other and forget that one day their children will no longer be around (hopefully) and will move on to start their own lives. 

My husband and I always planned for that moment. We planned to start businesses that would allow us to establish a legacy for our family and give us the ability to live fulfilled and rewarding lives post-child-rearing. 

We planned a more fun time to travel and do other things we enjoy. We’ve thoughtfully and collaboratively spent our years growing and building together, realizing that the day would come when it would be just the two of us once again. 

At the same time, we instructed and equipped our children to pursue their individual dreams. We’ve worked the plan and can now enjoy the fruit of our labor.

We founded our organization developed to equip individuals, partners, and parents with books and techniques to create more powerful marriages and healthier families.

Additionally, my husband has a family law practice, and as we serve each other in our marriage and home, we’re better equipped to serve others to do the same.

Someone who has a healthy respect for his wife

Husbands play a vital role in a couple’s relationship’s health and well-being. When a man has healthy self-respect that allows him to be a true partner with his wife, they synergistically create their relationship. 

The excellence of the husband’s character is foundational for the vitality of the couple’s relationship. Of course, it helps if the spouse has excellent character, too! 

When a man consistently practices character qualities, he is more likely to be present, responsible, accountable, and a true partner in marriage. He is a man of integrity. 

With integrity as a strength, he can achieve personal satisfaction, self-confidence, and empowerment by striving to achieve clear, purposeful goals. These goals include contributing to the unity and happiness of his marriage.

He’s a secure man

A secure man is solid in himself and knows his worth. He has experienced hardships and comes through the other side with the knowledge that he can hold his own. 

This is important because he can hold space for his partner to feel whatever she is feeling without him pulling away, shutting down, or feeling upset with her. A secure man helps a woman feel that someone has her back no matter what happens. A secure man trusts himself and therefore is trustworthy. 

He’s an emotionally aware husband 

An emotionally aware husband can feel when his wife is doing well and is having a hard time. He may not know what is happening to her but is sensitive to the change and asks her if he can help or if she needs help. 

He may say, “You’re important to me, and I wonder if you’re okay.” This allows her to come forward and share what’s going on without feeling overly pressured. 

An emotionally aware man will also not hide from his own emotions and be able to name them and deal with them when they arise. This helps the couple have a deeper connection knowing they are safe to have a range of emotions and not feel overwhelmed. 

He’s open to growth

A husband who is open to personal growth and relationship growth can stretch when his partner stretches. He will be interested in what his wife may be exploring in her own attempt to grow herself. 

This gives the relationship the benefit of a “growth mindset” and allows new and exciting options to have the space to expand both individually and collectively. 

Growth allows the relationship to have new levels of depth and can expand success and harmony in other areas of their lives in work, spirituality, and community.  

He takes responsibility for his part

A husband who takes responsibility for his part in a rift will create a lasting and healthy dynamic of healing and repair. Taking responsibility may mean he can own his shortcomings and say sorry if there’s something he’s done that hurt his partner. 

Related: How to Deal With Hurt Feelings in a Relationship

Taking responsibility means that upsets or fights won’t create long-term resentments between them and also models what a secure man looks like for kids and children. He can own his part. 

The qualities of a good husband can depend on what each individual is looking for. But some qualities are more universal. There is an endless list of qualities a good husband should have. Some are debatable, and others are just wish list items.

Here are some of the most important essential qualities:

Someone who’s a great listener

A good husband listens to you when you need to talk. Not just sits there quietly while you speak. But truly takes in what you’re saying. Then responds with words of wisdom and actions that can improve your life.

You know you can tell him anything embarrassing. Yet he won’t tell anyone else or use the information to hurt you. Instead, he will support you.

Related: 50+ Reasons Why Listening Is Important

Someone who tells you the truth

You want someone who tells you the truth. This isn’t just about not cheating on you. This is also about having integrity in general. It’s about being honest about his flaws and what he spends money on — knowing that you can trust him with your life and important decisions.

When he tells you something, you know it’s true. You don’t have to question whether he’s lying or not.

Someone who makes your life easier

Does he make your life easier or complicate it? Is he thoughtful and picks up the slack when you are swamped? Or does he operate like an individual still?

You want a husband who acts like a true partner. A great husband knows that if he makes your life better, his life will be better. He wants to do things to make your life easier and better.

Someone who cheers you up

Whether he is light-hearted, has a positive attitude, or tells funny jokes, it all boils down to if he can make you smile. Does he make you feel worse or better when you have a hard day?

When something stupid happens, can he laugh with you? Or will he just criticize you? Having a husband who lightens your load and grounds you is much nicer.

Someone who makes you feel safe

You’ll feel physically safe in his presence. He is always looking out for your safety without being controlling.

When you go out late at night, he’ll either escort you or want to know you made it home safely. If you put yourself in a situation that isn’t in your best interest, he’ll tell you and provide an alternative.

Someone who gives you grace and forgiveness

It is difficult to live with anyone who reminds you of every mistake you’ve made while he acts as if he walks on water. So make sure the spouse you choose gives you grace.

Someone who challenges you to be your best self

He should also challenge you to be your best self. If you make bad decisions, he should tell you. When he sees you can do better, he’ll let you know in an encouraging way. You don’t want someone who agrees with you because he has no backbone, brain, or fears of upsetting you.

This is best if he gives you constructive criticism without snapping at you. Most people in your life are afraid to hurt your feelings or question your decisions. But you must be able to trust your life partner 100% to do this for you.

Someone who is willing to work together

In a marriage, you’re going to be around each other often. Decisions will be made together. Because you’re not clones, you won’t agree on every detail. You may do things to hurt each other’s feelings unintentionally. Both of you will make mistakes.

So how will your husband react if something needs to be fixed? Will he take responsibility for his part, admit wrongdoing, apologize, and improve things? Or will he get defensive and blame you for everything?

Both spouses need to hold themselves accountable. If both do not put full effort into fixing issues, the marriage will not work well. Resentment will build up, making one or both partners miserable.

Are you playing fair?

The catch: You should do the same for him. If you’re not willing to do that, ask yourself why.

If you don’t treat each other fairly, it won’t work. Even if one of you gets your way, the other person will be unhappy. A win-win situation is the only way to keep a healthy marriage alive.

Related: How to Have a Happy Marriage (3 Secrets of Happily Married Couples)

Read relationship books if you need more help

Reading relationship books is a great start. Hiring a relationship coach can also help pinpoint and fix any issues you two may have. A coach is beneficial if you and your spouse don’t see eye to eye on specific issues. A neutral third party can help you see more clearly and fix any problems.

He respects and loves you unconditionally

We often sometimes overestimate the qualities of a good husband. If he’s doing the bare minimum for you, we are told to consider that a good sign. But that’s too far from reality. A good husband is your best friend and respects and loves you unconditionally.

He stands with you through thick and thin

A man with a strong sense of balance and grounding will positively deal with life’s ups and downs (mainly downs) and still be a helpful, engaged, and resilient partner.  

He gives his wife a sense of security and comfort

A good husband, I believe, communicates openly with his wife and gives her a sense of security and comfort around her. He reassures her there is no competition between them, and they will go through everything together.

He listens intently to his spouse

The best trait in a husband is the ability to listen intently to his spouse. He always tries to maintain a tight relationship with his wife to be stronger, more profound, faithful, and pure. He keeps the romance alive and spends quality time with his wife, like planning cute dates to keep the spark alive, catching her unaware. 

Remember, ladies, a good husband takes care of you, appreciates your presence in his life, makes you a priority, and is growth oriented. So ladies, don’t settle for less and don’t let anybody tell you otherwise. 

Someone who accepts their partner’s innocent idiosyncrasies

Although gender bias remains prevalent in our — and almost every — culture, the qualities of a good husband are the same as those of a good wife. The best marriages also tend to be the most balanced.

Someone respectful and supportive of others’ goals and desires

When entering a marriage or even thinking about marriage, we all envision wanting a “good husband.” But what is a good husband? Is it a knight in shining armor? A family man? A hard-working man?

Here’s the thing, “good” is a judgment. What I mean by that is there’s no solid definition of a “good husband.” Instead, think about it in terms of “functional.”

I know this is much less glamorous and certainly not what Disney taught us, but it’s a two-way street that requires compatibility on both sides. In other words, understanding who you are and what’s important to you will help you determine what a “good husband” is for you.

In my work with couples and individuals in the therapy realm, I’ve found that the most successful relationships happen when people understand and validate one another and their values align. They are respectful and supportive of others’ goals and desires. 

Validation is a key part of having a sound and secure emotional connection. You’re not going to feel comfortable with someone if you feel that everything you say is disregarded, mocked, or misunderstood. 

Related: What to Do When My Husband Takes Everything as Criticism?

To clarify, this does not mean the person needs to agree with you on everything. It simply means they are willing to hear you out and are respectful of your thoughts and opinions. 

Values are huge but don’t overthink this. Values will boil down to what is essential to you. The most successful relationships and marriages tend to be built on shared values. 

You don’t have to share the same values, but the more in common, the merrier. Also, you don’t want a partner that will lead you to challenge or go against your core values. This is an excellent recipe for resentment and discontentment. 

It creates a solid foundation for growth and satisfaction

Having respect and support for one another’s goals and desires creates a solid foundation for growth and satisfaction. This can be related to a career, wanting a family/children, allowing space for hobbies or interests, or any other realm. 

When you feel supported, you access a higher level of self and then get to share that with your partner and others. You want a cheerleader, not a peanut gallery. There will be plenty of other people to challenge, doubt, and question you. Your “good husband” should not be one of them.

The good news is even if these aren’t things you’ve considered, they are points you can always address and come back to. Check in with yourself, communicate and create a “good” marriage with your “functional” husband. 

Someone who has a presence of deep emotional attunement

Ask 50 wives how to define a good husband, and you’ll get 50 different answers, but the common thread among the group will be the presence of deep emotional attunement. This means a spouse who recognizes your emotions and responds accordingly. 

He is aware of your genuine needs and works to help authentically gratify them. So, if you feel drained from a long work day, he will give you space to reenergize without getting defensive or sulky.

Let’s back up for a moment. Before your hubby can fulfill your needs, he has to know what they are. This begins with you understanding your most authentic self. 

Do you crave deep, meaningful conversation? Or feel struck by cupid’s arrow when he delivers you the perfect cup of coffee? Or feel butterflies in your tummy when he spontaneously texts you sweet nothings? 

Discovering how you receive and express love is vital to nourishing your relationship. Dr. Gary Chapman coined the concept of Love Languages to help partners articulate their romantic preferences. 

Someone who listens and demonstrates empathy

You will strengthen your connection when you sense how you desire to be loved and become fluent in expressing it. A good husband will listen, ask questions, and demonstrate empathy. You both need to remember that you are on the same team and always look for the best in one another. 

The solid trust that they hold you in unconditional positive regard will inoculate you against the fear of rejection or abandonment. Feeling seen, valued, and validated in your relationship pays dividends. 

This secure connection allows you to reveal deeper intimacy and feel confident that you will always be met with judgment-free compassion. When you see your partner through this loving lens, the qualities of a good husband are abundant, and it doesn’t hurt to receive a perfect cup of coffee. 

Someone who can tap into his feminine energy

According to researchers, men and women have both feminine and masculine energies. 

Based on my professional experience as a relationship management professional in both business and romantic settings, it has often been evident that a man’s willingness and ability to tap into his feminine energy creates an environment that supports understanding, emotional connection, nurturing, and vulnerability. 

All things that women or people living in their feminine energy often require to feel seen, cared for, and loved. 

When a man is aware of the emotional needs of his partner while at the same time willing to express his own needs, there is a connection based on what should manifest as healthy communication that lies at the foundation of their relationship and supports its longevity, stability, and value. 

This is not to say that women or people living in their feminine energy has no work to do to support the health and maintenance of their relationships, but this is to focus on the qualities of men and husbands that support satisfying relationships. 

Additionally, there is no doubt that with the ability to tap into such energy, men living in their masculine energy experience personal benefits from this, which go beyond the “happy wife, happy life” thought. 

A level of personal development comes with being aware of and actively choosing to lean into your feminine energy as someone who is not naturally living in that energy. 

Becoming more in touch with the dualities of your being promote self-assurance and fulfillment. Being actively good for your own life allows you to be actively good for someone else’s, and that is an admirable purpose that more people should aim for.

There is no harm in leaning into your feminine energy or being a feminine man; there is only beauty in understanding the benefits of living in a way that benefits your marriage, your relationships, and your life. 

He loves you for who you are and who you are becoming

One of the best qualities of a good husband is loving you as you are and also loving you as you evolve. It is healthy for people to explore ways to become better versions of themselves; more education, a fitter body, a healthier mindset, career growth, etc. 

It is not uncommon for people to “grow apart” because their love for their partner is based on the exact way that person was when they met and does not allow their partner to grow and explore ways to better themselves. 

Often, the person who does not believe in change feels threatened by it and can do things to discourage the other partner, attempt to make them feel guilty, etc. — having a husband who supports your growth and is your biggest fan no matter what can be a fantastic feeling! 

From the perspective of another ordinary husband, instead of being an expert in family relations and lifestyle, I would rather nourish the qualities of a good husband, which I learned through the ways of my marriage.

Every marriage comes with its own set of biases and side effects. If we are focusing on the qualities of a husband, then we would be covering only half an aspect. 

Some of the qualities of a good husband in the making can be stated as follows: 

Can act as a team, coordinate and collaborate

Making marriage a duo activity is initially quite a requirement. By the term team, I mean to say a feeling of “originality” that would set sails to lesser misunderstandings and happier planning in a long-term process.

Can coordinate and collaborate, split the bills and try to build a balance; as a result, there lies no room for the benefit of the doubt.

Can try to love the way they want to be loved

The most essential point to be kept in mind, observe their way of desiring love, and try to propagate your ways of loving them towards their way of accepting it. It seems a little tricky at first but trust me; it works its way through.

Can make time and share leisure activities

Your partner makes a remarkable impact on your set times and schedules and vice-versa. Thus try to make time for them and share individual leisure activities.

Can avoid spending grey time with his partner

“Grey Time,” or when you are physically present but not mentally, involuntarily affects your marriage in the long term. Lastly, apart from being a good husband, try to hold to your flaws as well, because imperfect deeds are now the most appreciated.

Frequently Asked Questions