How to Become Your Husband's Seven Year Itch

What do most women whose husbands have affairs have in common? The mistresses who replaced them usually look absolutely nothing like them. It doesn't matter how good of a wife a woman is, how beautiful she is, or how great her marriage is. Sometimes a man just wants something different. While we won't get into the morality of such a notion, we will discuss how to prevent that traditional affair that always seems to lurk in the first decade of a marriage with just a few easy tips and tricks. Rather than worrying about your husband succumbing to temptation, become the temptation. Prevent the seven year itch by transforming yourself into that "other" woman.

Tip #1: Add a little mystery. First, understand that becoming the woman your husband wants to run away with, again means becoming a little exotic and mysterious. Most strictly physical affairs occur when a man is simply not excited by the routine anymore (among other things). By routine, we're talking about those mom jeans and white sneakers you wear every day. Cute, yes. Exotic? Hardly. Spice up your wardrobe and makeup a little (or a lot) and see what happens. You know what to do.

Tip #2: Become the younger woman. Ok, this is where so many women drive themselves crazy. Becoming that youthful and fun younger woman again doesn't mean becoming a desperate forty three year old in her nineteen year old daughter's miniskirt and halter top. It means giving yourself a change of attitude. Being bogged down with mortgage payments, kids, credit card bills, student loan debt, taking out the garbage, preparing dinner, and other mundane aspects of daily life are key contributors to a man's desire for an affair. He's looking for an escape. Derail that desire by letting a few things go and giving in to that inner young girl every now and then. Let the dishes sit in the sink, and don't take everything so seriously. Give him a break when he screws up. Look at life in a more positive light. All of these things a younger woman, who doesn't yet have responsibilities and stress weighing her down, would do for him.

Tip #3: Work to make him "like" you. It sounds a little childish, but everyone wants someone vying for their attention. It makes them feel wanted and attractive (which can do wonders in the bedroom). Rather than taking him for granted, as many women do their husbands, work on yourself for his sake. Yes, it's a little extra work, but don't think of it as degrading. Simply highlight your best features, inside and out, and put in a little effort again just as you did when you first met. Just because he loves you doesn't mean he doesn't deserve the same effort you'd put in for a brand new man in your life. A little bonus: you might find you like getting to place your femininity back on top of your priority list.

Tip #4: Notice his attempts to make you "like" him. That's right, after all these years he's probably still trying. A tremendous difference between men and women is that while women may feel secure enough to stop trying so hard after a while, a man wants to always know that his wife thinks the world of him. Laughing at his jokes (even if you've heard them all before), listening to the same stories again with new interest, and complimenting new aspects of his personality or appearance are just as important to him as being told that you are beautiful is to you. The dangerous part here is, while you might voice your concerns over him not noticing you anymore, he'll stay silent if he feels taken for granted. Believe that he is always, whether he realizes it or not, looking for approval and wanting to be noticed.

Tip #5: Practice flirting again. Batting your eyes at him during pillow talk, staring him down when he walks into the room (and refusing to look away), whispering into his ear, and finding sneaky ways to get in a touch or kiss....they all work. Believe it or not, these simple tactics can add enough life to a stale marriage to prevent an affair from ever occurring. Sometimes a husband just wants a little excitement to be rekindled.

Finally, remember that preventing the seven year itch by becoming the other woman is more than just stepping up a wardrobe or doing your hair differently. If he loves you, he's already interested in your approval and wants to find everything he needs right there in his home. Most men seek out an affair after the first few years of marriage out of desperation for what women often mistakenly believe isn't a priority anymore at that point. You don't have to change who you are to become that "other woman" for your man. Just remember who you were.