The word "cheat" doesn't usually have a good connotation.
Especially when it comes to marriage.
However, cheating does sometimes have a way of paying off, at least if you're using a "cheat code".
In the video game world, "cheat codes" are pressing buttons in a sequence, or ordering a sequence of characters, to get you ahead in the game without needing to fulfill the usual obligations.
And while there are no buttons people can push to improve or strengthen their marriage, many husbands have managed to come up with "cheat codes" that can, at the very least, keep their spouses happy.
Redditor Curious-Repair-2606 was eager to hear about these successful "cheat codes" husbands have put to good use, leading them to ask:
"Men: What's a 'cheat code' you discovered in marriage that actually works?"
A Small Compliment Goes A Long Way...
"Verbally acknowledging each other’s contributions to the household."
“'Thanks for cleaning up after dinner, it looks great'.”
“'Thanks for taking the kids to soccer practice'.”
“'Thanks for grabbing groceries, this is my favorite cheese'.”
"So on and so forth."
"By acknowledging each other’s day to day (and sometimes mundane) contributions, it builds appreciation and prevents animosity."
"It also prevents certain tasks from being 'assigned' to a person with the expectation that it’s theirs forever and that’s 'just how it is'.”- Pomegranate_Calm
A Partnership, Not A Competition
"Relationships aren't a zero-sum game, the only way to win is when you win together so approach all disagreements with that approach."- smisakso
When At A Loss, Just Hug It Out...
"My husband and I start every day with a really long hug. It seemed like a big task at first, but honestly, we now go in for those hugs more than once a day, and it helped me through some really rough days."
"My son has watched it numerous times, and he tries to join."- Happyawayfrompeople
Season 8 Love GIF by One ChicagoGiphy
It Pays To Listen
"When I feel like my wife is feeling a little down or when I feel like we’re not connecting emotionally, I will ask her about something she is passionate about and just get her talking."
"And I will ask questions that cannot be answered with a yes or no."
"She will go from sitting back with her arms folded to leaning forward, talking excitedly."
"Often, people feel closer to someone simply by talking to that person and being heard."
"And everyone feels good talking about their favorite things."
"Also, if you have something difficult to talk about, wait until they are in a good mood."- mostlycareful
Some People Truly Can't Take The Hint...
"If your wife asks you if you want ice cream, she wants ice cream."
"Feel free to replace ice cream with anything."- Easywood
Take Note!
"Keep a note on your phone for gift ideas."
"When she points out something she likes or wants to do, write it down in the note or snap a pic and insert it."
"See something you think she’d like?"
"Write it down."
"Also, keep her clothing and shoe sizes in the note as well."
"Also, google 'mental load' and learn about the imbalances that tend to occur."
"Take more of it on."- vfettke
Understand The Good Doctor GIF by ABC NetworkGiphy
How Many Ways To Show Appreciation...
"Along with the obvious 'make sure you’re doing your share', of the household duties, communicating your appreciation of what your partner does."
"E.g.- whenever my wife returns from something like getting groceries, I go out to the car to help bring everything in, and make sure I verbally let her know that I appreciate what she just did for our family."- Crohwned
Have Each Other's Back, And Never Talk Behind It!
"Be each other’s biggest fan."
"No sh*t talking about the other to anyone, ever."
"When you are always looking out for and supporting each other, that creates a strong team."- xploringcpl77
Get The Unpleasantness Out Of The Way...
"Pick the right person."
"Be super critical during the courting phase."
"Ask the tough questions and make sure you’re aligned."
"But once you decided to commit, that critical switch needs to flip and you need to be their biggest cheerleader."
"So many couples do it the other way, lovey dovey during the courting phase and then start getting critical after they commit."- rvrndgonzo
Lucifer Morningstar Fox GIF by LuciferGiphy
Teamwork Makes A Dreamwork
"You and your partner are a team that is working to solve your issues together."
"It's you two vs the issue and never you vs your partner."
"Hardly a cheat code, but communication is the key."- keggerson
Every Night Is Date Night
"Never stop 'dating' your wife , kiss often."- neighborPromotion82
Volume Control
"You never get yell at while vacuuming."- darkbrokendisj
Season 10 GIF by FriendsGiphy
Just A Little Peck...
"Never leave the house without giving her a kiss."
"Even if it's just a peck on the cheek."- SinamonChallengerRT
Just For Reference
"Not marriage, but worked in LTR for me."
"I make notes in my girlfriend's contact on my phone."
"What she orders at certain restaurants, things from her past that were important, stuff she's mentioned wanting for Christmas/birthdays."- dantaviusrex
Sharing Is Caring... To A Point...
"Separate blankets."
"Been married for 13 years, together for 17."
"Sharing a blanket is an exercise in futility."- Robz_princess
It's not usually an encouraging sign to learn your spouse has resorted to cheating.
Until you realize their "cheating" is only making your marital bond even stronger.
