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A little bit goes a looooong way.
By James Michael Sama — Written on Nov 10, 2021
It’s not often that we see or read things about how to make a man feel loved and special in a relationship. I always encourage men to treat the woman in their life better, to be romantic, genuine, and all of that fun stuff.
But the truth is, it goes both ways. Any successful relationship requires consistent effort from BOTH teammates. Teamwork makes the dream work, right?
To help give you some ideas of how to do your part, here are 10 things you can do to make the guy in your life feel special and loved.
Trust me, he will be VERY appreciative.
1. Compliment him.
This may surprise a lot of women, but it’s rare for a man to receive genuine compliments. We are often on the giving end of compliments. So, acknowledging your guy with genuine adoration will make him feel appreciated.
2. Ask him for his advice.
Stereotypically, when a woman tells a man about her problems she isn’t necessarily looking for a solution. She wants a listener. However, a man’s instinct is to try to provide a solution.
So go ahead and specifically ask him for his advice. It makes him feel useful, wanted, and even needed. It is going to allow him to flex his problem-solving muscles and make him feel like he’s contributing to your life.
3. Wear that outfit you know he loves.
I am sure you’ve heard it before: Men are visual creatures. But there’s more to it than just looking good. If a man sees you in something that you know he loves, he will recognize that you are putting in an effort to look good for him specifically.
4. Give him your undivided attention.
Yes, women multitask better than men do. You may be able to check your email and still give him your attention, but it shows your lack of intention. Show him that he’s got your full and complete attention.
5. Make him feel comfortable venting to you.
Men are often told that they should be the strong ones. This is incorrectly translated into being unemotional. I fully believe that showing emotion requires more strength than holding it in, but societal constructors often tell us otherwise.
This means that there are very few safe places for men to open up and vent about what’s bothering them, regardless of how badly they want to. If you provide a safe place for your man to vent, it will be a welcome gesture of love and affection.
6. Be affectionate with him.
As simple as this one is, it is often overlooked. Small things like hand-holding, walking arm in arm, or resting your head on his shoulder can make him feel like he’s protecting you, even if you don’t need his protection. Protecting you is often a man’s way of showing you his love.
7. Show him he’s a priority.
We all have busy lives with friends, family, work, and hobbies, but make sure you include him where you can.
Time is the most valuable asset any of us have because we can’t get it back after we spend it. It’s also the most important gift we can give to someone.
8. Pick up the tab.
I believe a man should always pay for dates. Not necessarily just the first date, but also ongoing.
However, if you occasionally slip your card to the waiter without him noticing, he’s not going to hate it. It will show him that you appreciate the things he does for you and that you’re willing to take care of him, too.
9. Give him long hugs.
Men often communicate physically, whether it’s through body language or putting his arm around them.
It’s a language that he instinctively understands. Women can send their guys a very important message of love by being physically close. Holding on to him just a little longer and hugging him just a little tighter will show him the affection that he desires.
10. If you appreciate what he does for you, tell him.
Romance and relationships are two-way streets. A good man will give to you without asking for anything in return, but that doesn’t mean you should do nothing. Tell your man that you cherish having him in your life.
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James Michael Sama is an award-winning Boston-based blogger who writes about dating and relationships. He speaks on the topics of chivalry, romance, and happiness and has been featured repeatedly in news segments, talk shows, and mainstream radio.
This article was originally published at James Sama. Reprinted with permission from the author.