Ah, Karwa Chauth… The glorious festival where wives starve all day to pray for their husband’s long life. It is a day when wives get all decked up and spend the entire day without even a sip of water till they can see the moon. The husbands, apart from struggling to reach home in time to help their wives break the fast, struggle with the age-old question — what gift to buy for the dear wife. Honestly, things aren’t as difficult if you have the right approach. Unlike other occasions, Karwa Chauth is a time when you can treat your wife with gifts that cost absolutely nothing. So put the confusion aside, and check out these Karwa Chauth gifts that your wife truly deserves.

1. Sanity: Play your role right

via GIPHY

Don’t be a baby. It’s as simple as that. If you already have kids, let them play that role. If not, why push her into taking care of an overgrown manchild? As an equal partner in the relationship, the biggest gift you can give your wife is by being just that. Pick up after yourself. Don’t drop your wet towels and filthy socks everywhere expecting her to clean up after you.

2. Love: Make romance a habit

via GIPHY

You know how you surprise her with a romantic gesture once in six months and think you’re the local Shah Rukh Khan? Yeah, that’s not how things work. Make an effort at romance more often. She’s your wife, not your boss who needs to be impressed only when you want a promotion. Plan date nights, movies, and special occasions without her having to take the initiative every time.

3. Compassion: Understand the role of HER family

Yes, in India, it is a widely promoted thought process that it is the girl who leaves her family behind when she gets married. She has to make her husband’s family her own and do the needful. But the one thing that no one talks about is that a girl’s dad will always be her only superhero, and her mother will always be her queen. So, it is quite a bummer when her husband makes no effort to be in touch with her parents. Step up, and make those phone calls and send those texts to your in-laws. Talk to them beyond the obligatory birthday wishes.

Related: 9 Things Every Family Should Do To Make A Newlywed Bride Feel Comfortable In Her New Home

4. Respect: Don’t make her periods an excuse

via GIPHY

Women are often blamed for using their periods as an excuse for ‘acting crazy’. But do you know who actually uses it as an excuse to disregard a woman’s opinion? MEN! Any time a woman loses her temper even a little and voices an opinion that doesn’t match the man’s, she is instantly asked if she’s on her period. So, if your wife has some views, dig super deep into your sanity and have a mature conversation about things. Don’t be an idiot.

5. You: Be her husband, not her mother-in-law’s son

Joint families are common in India. As a result, many couples end up living with their parents at home. So, in case of an altercation between your wife and your mother, either learn how to handle a delicate situation or just stay out of it. No, nobody’s asking you to go against your dearest Mommy even if she’s wrong; we know how difficult it is for you little boys. But remember, your wife doesn’t deserve a husband who disregards her feelings, tells her to let go of things all the time, or demands that she apologise to her in-laws for every damn thing.

If your wife is dedicating a day of the year to stay hungry for you, the least you can do is be deserving of the sacrifice. Being a good husband costs nothing except for a good heart and respect for your wife. You don’t have to shower her with diamonds when you treat her like your equal every day of your life.