Becoming a husband and having to share your home with someone you love is a major life transition. It's valid to try to always put your best foot forward because this is your first shot at marriage. That's why we were totally moved when TV host Robi Domingo took to X (formerly Twitter) to ask for suggestions and tips as a newbie husband.
Robi tied the knot with her girlfriend of four years, Maiqui Pineda, on January 6. The newlyweds got engaged in November 2022, and Robi said in 2023 that they were pushing through with the wedding even if her fiancee was diagnosed with dermatomyositis, a rare autoimmune disease which affects the skin and muscles.
"Note to self:
1. Ihiwalay ang puti sa decolor.
2. Ibaba ang toilet seat.
3. Magwalis, para happy si misis.
May suggestion and tips pa kayo?" he wrote.
New husband tips for Robi Domingo
His followers replied to his tweet to share their tips and the comment section instantly became a gold mine for married couples. Some of the ones that received the most likes are as as follows:
"Takpan po ang toothpaste tub, sir."
"Ilagay ang pinaghubaran sa laundry basket."
"Isampay ang ginamit na towel."
"Huwag iwan pakalat-kalat ang sapatos at medyas."
"Maghugas ng pinggan."
"Pag may period siya, make sure na comfortable siya."
"Wag iwang basa ang sahig sa buong CR after maligo."
"Ang pindot ng toothpaste ay sa dulo, hindi sa gitna."
"Pag nagsabi si misis ng "bahala ka" o "ewan ko," abort mission na agad!"
"Itapon ang basura tuwing gabi at palitan agad ng fresh garbage bag ang bin."
"Wag mag-cheat! Be faithful."
"Yung gamit na cotton buds at tissue o wet wipes, itapon sa basurahan, hindi sa gilid ng higaan."
One follower who said she has been married for 12 years now shared a tip to Robi, "Always put God on top [sic] of your relationship. Everything will follow."
Tips for new husbands
1. Read relatable resources.
One follower meanwhile told Robi to follow Nico Bolzico, the El Presidente and author of the Bullied Husbands Club Manual. According to El Padre, it includes 50 articles on "how to maximize the Wifezilla's happiness and how to minimize the time in the doghouse." Buy it on Lazada here
2. Join online groups.
If you are a new husband who is planning to have a family soon, you are welcome to join the private Facebook group, Smart Parenting Village. There, members can share their stories and experiences at home, ask questions, and engage in meaningful conversations with one another in a safe, moderated space.
3. Recognize that everyday is a chance to be better.
Whether it's trying to be a good husband, dad, or partner, this is our reminder that we cannot do it overnight. It takes a daily commitment to be better, and whatever effort we have put out today is appreciated. We learn by doing, and we keep learning everyday. Don't skip the growth pains, because these are necessary.
4. Make time for sexy time
Parents at the Smart Parenting Village can vouch that having a good, satisfying sex (although not as frequent as they used to) is key to having a happy marriage. A good sex starts with getting intimate, and these moments help you both communicate more openly, and explore the things that make you and your partner happy. Schedule date nights, plan travels, and try new activities together while you still can.
5. Keep the fire burning
Now that you are a married couple doesn't mean you will stop pursuing your wife. The best way to keep the fire burning is to add to the light every day. If you've been giving her letters and flowers while you were still courting her, why stop? Make her feel beautiful, and as Smart Parenting cover star Sheena Halili said, it takes the two of you to keep the fire burning.
"Dapat pag mag-asawa kayo, hindi dapat kami lang ang magpapakita at magbibigay ng kilig or parang mag-burn 'yang fire na sinasabi niyo na 'yan. Kailangan, nililigawan nyo pa rin kami," Sheena said.
Have other tips for Robi? Answer the #SPTanongLang on Smart Parenting's Facebook page.