“K.”

This one-letter “word” coming from your wife is loaded, and if you’re not careful enough, this could signal the onset of a “war”. Most of the time, you think your wife just acted differently out of nowhere. With the ticking time bomb ready to explode the longer you unlock the mystery, the higher your risk of sleeping outside the kulambo for days on end. But relax, help is here!

We collated responses from wives to give you this guide to decoding women’s language.

Familiar isn’t it? When women get so frustrated and snap, you may hear them saying this. Nadine, married for 5 years, explains, “When I reach the limit of my temper, I ask him to go back to his family so I could have peace of mind.”

Believe it or not, she does not mean this. In fact, she cannot stand a day without having you around.

When everything has been said and she still feels extremely hurt, there’s a sudden outburst of calling it quits.

Beverly, married for 7 years, recalls, “During the first few years of our relationship, whenever we have a misunderstanding, I often tell him things like ‘I don’t want to see you anymore’ and ‘Let’s just break up.’ But when I say it, at the back of my mind I know I don’t really mean it.”

Most of the time, your wife just wants to feel how much you love and need her, and is just waiting for you to actually say it.

While it may be true for wives who are probably allergic to flowers or chocolates or have a more practical view of things, those who don’t also like to be recipients of sweet gestures. It’s not about the grandiosity of the act, it’s about the thought that you put in effort to make them happy and feel special.

Aubrey, married for two years, reveals: “Even though a woman told you she doesn’t like this or that, you have to still try to let her experience those things. All women like flowers one way or another. We, women, like to be surprised even once in our lifetime.”

This is definitely the greatest lie women say about how they feel. When you hear this word, run!

Kidding aside, an “okay” can be interpreted in many different ways. It can mean a sarcastic approval, a way to avoid conflict, a sign that there’s a problem or even annoyance. This could even be coupled with silent treatment when women’s patience has already reached its peak.

Julia, married for a year, shares, “Whenever I stay silent, he imitates. But I am actually giving him the chance to have the initiative to act upon the misunderstanding. It is having that initiative to feel whenever something isn’t right.”

With women being observant by nature, they notice every single good deed that you do. Though at times it feels like mistakes are magnified, they see you in a positive light, too.

Nadine, for example, means it when she gives words of affirmation to her husband. “I complement him on what he does to the family,” she shares.

They say when words are said too often, it loses its meaning. For women, this is an exception. Wives swoon over their husband that they end up saying these words multiple times even in a day.

For Beverly, it’s an expression of endearment. “I care for him, I pray for him, I always want to be with him.”

Being caught up in a world when it’s a constant pressure to achieve, men tend to focus on earning a living. While this is essential for securing the family’s future, remember that your wife crave time and attention too.

This extends even to children if you’re already a parent. Yna, married for 3 years, tells his husband, “Mag-date naman tayo minsan dahil puro work at work na lang. Sobrang busy maging adult. Spend time with your child. Mabilis lang sya lumaki.”

Nowadays, it’s a sad reality that while we may be physically present with someone, our minds might be wandering elsewhere. Sometimes, a difference in personality could be a factor too especially for introverts who have a limited social battery.

Aubrey discloses, “I always tell my husband to be present in the moment. Not just physically but holistically. He often zones out in the middle of the conversation or gathering with friends. There are times it gets on my nerves.” Being present means intently listening and interacting with the other person.

While there seems to be a lot to decipher about women’s language, it can be inferred that there’s a thin line between what is verbalized versus what is unsaid. This applies especially during heated discussions, which evolves when the couple enter parenthood.

Surely, a lot of women can relate to Yna’s sentiment. “He thought that it was so easy that I can do it on my own to take care of the kid since the kid needs me most of the time.” The statements mentioned above boils down into one truth: What women actually need is to receive emotional support apart from material things or everyday provision. Putting yourself in your wife’s shoes would help you know how to properly respond to her.

Relax husbands, at least you’ll have a lifetime with your wives to figure things out. You can do it!