11 Subtle Things Men Respect Most In Women They Love, But Never Say Out Loud
These small things make a man's heart skip a beat.
Photoroyalty | Shutterstock A man who's in love will climb any mountain to show just how much he adores his partner. Whether that means working long hours or performing acts of service, there's no telling how far they'll go to show their appreciation. But this doesn't require verbally expressing their adoration; rather, there are many subtle things men respect most in women they love, but never say out loud.
From their endless support to their strong character, men won't always be outright obvious with showing their affection and love. To them, it's all about action, and they have very specific ways of letting their partner know how they feel. After all, respect isn't given, it's earned, and the women they love are more than worthy of it.
Here are 11 subtle things men respect most in women they love, but never say out loud
1. Their emotional stability
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Nowadays, many people don't have good control over their emotions. From nervous breakdowns because of work to angry temper tantrums over minor inconveniences, it's rare to find someone who's grounded and emotionally stable.
According to human behavior expert Joe Navarro, not having control over emotions can lead to drastic consequences at work and at home. "Anger is a natural and often justified emotional response, but when left unchecked, it can dominate our thoughts and negatively affect our interactions," he explained.
The ability to keep her emotions in check is one of the subtle things men respect most in women they love, but never say out loud. It isn't always easy, especially because some people weren't taught how to regulate their emotions, but that doesn't mean it's impossible. Through therapy, deep breathing exercises, meditation, or even regular exercising, almost any woman can find healthier ways to release emotions.
2. Their level of self-respect
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On the outside, men respect women who respect themselves. But it's no surprise that many women have grown up in an era where they've become increasingly more self-conscious, thanks to societal norms and media.
The constant self-comparisons have made it impossible for women to value themselves. And, according to a 2023 study, there is a negative correlation between self-esteem and social media dependency, particularly amongst adolescents.
Despite this, there has been a slow shift in which women are calling out these toxic standards and are learning to love themselves. While it might be a tough ride to undo all those depleting thoughts, men are empowered by women who respect themselves and make an effort to build themselves up through healing.
3. How supportive they are
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Nobody wants a partner who isn't supportive of them. Whether it's refusing to cheer them on when they win big or taking away from their successes, there's nothing less attractive than being with someone who isn't emotionally supportive. But one of the subtle things men respect most in women they love, but never say out loud, is how supportive they are.
A woman's support can go a long way. When men are struggling and don't know where to go or what to do, having a steady hand that keeps them afloat is the difference between truly respecting and loving their partner, or growing resentful.
As a study published in the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology explained, social support increases resilience in stressful situations. So, while society might be telling women to never support or build a man up, having an equal by their side who is there for them can bring a couple closer.
4. Their life passions
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From hanging out with friends to traveling, men respect a woman who is passionate about life and everything she can accomplish in it. A woman who's in love with her life and shows gratitude is the most attractive thing she can do. Not only does she shine brighter, but according to experts from Harvard Health, gratitude is linked to greater happiness.
While there are men out there who want to dim a woman's light and suppress that passion, there are also men who enjoy seeing her succeed. From discussing her job to talking about her future plans, a woman's joy is contagious, and real men can feel it when she's in a room.
5. Their self-reliance and discipline
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It's understandable why women want princess treatment every now and then. In an ideal world, it might sound nice to sit back and relax while someone else takes care of everything else. However, in reality, men and women need to be self-reliant to thrive and be successful.
"Alpha" males might have other men convinced that an independent woman is unattractive, but normal men adore women who can handle their own business. From her ability to figure things out to her hard-working nature, independence is attractive and healthy.
According to a study published in BioMed Research International, heavily dependent relationships often lead to an increase in aggression, which is why self-reliance is important. Not only is it attractive, but it's necessary for a healthy relationship.
6. Their ability to handle pressure with grace
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After being hit with problem after problem, anyone would absolutely lose their minds. However, men respect a woman who handles pressure with grace and lets it roll right off her back. It's hard to keep stress levels under control when dangerous situations happen or when women need to think fast on their feet. But for the women who can, they earn the respect of not just their partner, but of everyone else in the room.
This is important, as making a bad first impression can have drastic consequences. According to a study published in Social Cognition, it takes weeks of constant good actions to reverse a bad first impression. So, while it might seem impossible at the moment, remember that how someone reacts will directly influence how others see them.
7. Their ability to understand his perspective during disagreements
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Most couples can agree that fighting is difficult to get through, whether it's simple accusations like "you used my towel" to bigger arguments like "you never spend enough time with me." Despite how difficult these conversations are, men respect women who can understand their perspective during disagreements.
That's not to say that women have to agree with everything their partner thinks. But having a partner who is willing to hear them out and understand their perspective is the difference between resolving and escalating conflict.
According to a study published in Communications Research, active listening is essential in finding solutions that both parties benefit from. While it might be tempting to ignore them or stay stuck in their own point of view, truly hearing one another out and finding a middle ground is the difference between a thriving and a crumbling relationship.
8. Their wisdom
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Despite how old someone gets, wisdom isn't always about age; rather, it's about experience. From heartbreaks to tragic events, people gain wisdom through the most heart-wrenching moments of their lives. While it might not seem like it, women who go through the worst can use these experiences to not just better themselves, but also better their relationships.
Wise women can navigate life's problems with an ease that most people envy. Whether it's because they've gone through the worst and healed, a woman's ability to speak words of wisdom is a huge sign of intelligence and experience, which is always worthy of respect.
9. Their great sense of humor
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Who doesn't want a woman with a good sense of humor? If someone is going to spend years with a person, they might as well be able to make a man laugh. When life gets tough and people are feeling down, the energy someone brings to the table can either make or break the relationship.
Humor isn't just for fun, though. According to a study published in the Journal of Experimental Education, there's a correlation between humor, intelligence, and creativity. So, not only is a man getting a partner who can bring a smile to his face, they're also getting a highly intelligent partner who is able to shift the energy in the room at the snap of her fingers, all of which is respect-worthy.
10. Their willingness to grow and evolve
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When a couple first enters into a relationship, there are bound to be differences in opinion. From disagreeing about how the dishes should be washed to not finding common ground on finances, one of the subtle things men respect most in women they love, but never say out loud, is her willingness to grow and evolve.
Many people come into a relationship being completely flawed as human beings. However, someone's ability to mature, as well as admit when they're wrong, can become a better partner in their relationship.
On the other hand, women who dismiss their partner's concerns or refuse to change almost always end up alone. For women who are more than willing to grow, they'll find better satisfaction in every relationship, not just their romantic ones.
11. How well they treat his friends and family
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Many women and men forget that their good actions aren't just reserved for their partner. From their family to their friends, women must get along and see eye to eye, even if there are clear differences between both parties.
Of course, it's not easy to find common ground with someone you disagree with, but if they want to have a long-lasting connection with any man, they need to prioritize treating their partner's loved ones with respect and compassion.
Marielisa Reyes is a writer with a bachelor's degree in psychology who covers self-help, relationships, career, family, and astrology topics.
