When your spouse comes home from a long day at work, it’s often a collision of two very different worlds.

One of you may be overstimulated from being with the kids all day. The other may be carrying the stress of meetings, deadlines, or workplace pressures.

It’s easy in that moment to immediately unload the problems of the day—or to treat each other with less patience than you both deserve. Instead, try hitting the reset button.

Before you dive into dinner, homework, or bedtime routines, lead with connection. A few intentional words can completely change the tone of your evening.

Here are four simple things to say:

1. “I’m so excited for you to be home.” Start with warmth. Let your spouse know that his or her presence matters.

2. “I’ve been thinking about you all day.” This communicates value and affection, not just partnership logistics.

3. “I wouldn’t want to do this with anyone else.” Parenting and marriage are hard—but you’re choosing each other.

4. “Let’s pray and tackle dinnertime and bedtime as a team.” Pause. Pray. Get aligned. Then step into the evening together.

When you choose encouragement over complaint and unity over frustration, you set the tone for a better evening in your home. A small reset at the door can change the entire atmosphere inside it.