You’ve heard it before: Men are visual; women are verbal. Men are impulsive; women like to analyze things. Men are from Mars; women are from Venus. So since husbands and wives are opposite in many ways, it makes sense that male and female hearts swell for different reasons.
While you probably smile when your mate says, “I love you,” those same three words from you may not do much for him. Here, 6 things that show you care and why they’re more meaningful to the guy in your life.
1. Trust
A man needs to feel that his partner trusts that he is doing his best and wants the best for his partner. If a partner is able to respond in open and receptive ways to caring or affectionate gestures, than a man will feel trusted. Choice plays an important role here too. If you have chosen a man with similar moral values and beliefs, than it will be easier to build a mutual atmosphere of trust in the relationship.
2. Acceptance
This is a big one for men, they need to be accepted without feeling like a partner is trying to change them. He needs to feel accepted for who he is, imperfections and all rather than what a partner wants him to be. Most people will grow and make improvements themselves if you leave them the space to do it. Part of the successful navigation of being in a relationship is working out ways to accommodate the fundamental differences in character that are part of each person’s personality.
3. Appreciation
A man needs to feel that his partner sees and appreciates his efforts. Men like to feel needed, it creates feelings of significance and power which boost testosterone and make them feel good. Men like to feel like they are winning, if they feel like they can’t win by making their partner happy, then they will lose the motivation to try. Focus on the little things as well as the big things. This could be thanking him often for small simple things he does, but also big things, like the qualities that made you fall in love with him.
4. Admiration
Admiration gives a man a sense of security from the relationship and again boosts his testosterone. Generally, men receive less day to day compliments than women so little compliments here and there help make him feel admired. Compliments also help keep the atmosphere positive and well away from criticism and contempt which are predictors of relationship breakdown.
5. Respect
No one like to be belittled, treated badly, talked down to, made jealous etc. In particular, men like to feel that their partners value and respect their judgement. Partner’s can demonstrate this by actively asking for opinions, fully listening without criticism, and respect for each individual to make their own decisions. Men also like to feel respected for their abilities, which often means just leaving them to figure something out on their own, and not questioning if they have the ability to do it before they have tried.
6. Encouragement
Encouragement has the power to stop a man withdrawing and emotionally shutting down. Men want to feel that a partner is in their corner and not against them. Often couples can get into power battles, where each partner is trying to score points and gain an advantage over the other. Encouragement helps a couple work together as a team. If he is having problems in work or other areas of his life, ask how you can support him and follow through with the support rather than blaming him for any mistakes he has made. Unless he has asked specifically for advice, avoid given unsolicited advice and offer your encouragement instead. Listen fully when he does open up and talk to you, this will help him feel trusted and accepted. Physical touch is also an important method to help show men encouragement. Men do not generally get as much physical touch in their day to day lives. A reassuring touch from a partner does not have to be sᴇxᴜᴀʟ. sᴇxᴜᴀʟ ᴀɴᴅ ɴᴏɴ-sᴇxᴜᴀʟ ᴛᴏᴜᴄʜ like holding hands, neck rubs etc is equally important.
References: emotionenhancement.com
