Men often have a reputation for being poor communicators–and some are. Still, it doesn’t mean they don’t have a wish list for their romantic partner. This lack of communication creates a problem for many women because they don’t always know what their man wants. Guys love to be cared for and catered to, just like women. However, they don’t always know how to tell you what they desire. These habits can help to keep the romance alive in a relationship.
Twenty Things A Man Wants His Romantic Partner To Do
Psychiatrist Willard Gaylin studied and reported his findings in his best-selling book The Male Ego. He stated that men see themselves as protectors, procreators, and providers. Outside of these three roles, it’s challenging for them to tell their partner what they need to make the relationship thrive.
Matthew Boggs is a motivational speaker who hosts Cracking the Man Code sessions. Through extensive research, he helps women know how to have a successful relationship by providing their partners with what they require. Here are a few essential things men want and need in their romantic partners.
NOTE: If you want to know women’s habits that help keep the flame of love burning, we cover their behaviors separately.
1. They Want a Romantic Partner Who Will Show Affection Often
Guys like receiving affection and romance. They want a woman to hold their hand, whisper sweet nothings in their ear, and be close to them. Just because men like to hide their emotions doesn’t mean they don’t enjoy affection from you. This is just confirmation of how much they’re loved.
2. Make Date Night a Priority
When you’re in love, you want romance. Date night is a priority for a man as it shows that he’s still important enough for your time. When women don’t make time for their partners, it sends a message that they’re unimportant. Men have questions and doubts, too, so they need a romantic partner who will dedicate time to them.
3. They Hope Their Romantic Partner Will Do the “Little Things”
Romance can come from the simplest of things. Guys like it when they have a cup of coffee waiting for them before work. They like random text messages throughout the day, as they like to know they’re still on your mind. Doing those little things will secure your relationship and show your romantic partner how much they mean to you.
4. Travel Often
Many guys have stressful jobs and feel the strain from the constant pressure. So is it any wonder that men looks forward to these getaways where they can focus on romance and the one they love? Whether for a weekend or a week doesn’t matter; they want one-on-one time with you.
5. Unplug for Your Romantic Partner Once in a While
Most importantly, guys want their women to turn off their phones occasionally. They get tired of competing for their romantic partner’s attention because she’s always on the phone. It would help if you gave them some undivided attention when you’re with them.
6. Dance
Who says women are the only ones who love a twirl around the dance floor? Many guys like to dance, too. Holding you close and feeling your heart beating as you tango the night away is something they want more of.
7. Learn Each Other’s Love Language
Each person has a love language that shows how they need to be loved. Some guys like affirmations, while others prefer acts of service. Guys want you to learn their love language to enhance the romance in your relationship.
8. Write Love Letters
Leaving love letters on the car seat before work or slipping a note in their lunch box are ways to connect with your man. Men love that you take time out of your day to remind them that you still have strong feelings. Though this could be classified as a little thing, it means a lot to the person who receives the letter.
9. Validate One Another’s Feelings
Guys want to be heard. They want you to listen and understand when they feel passionate about something enough to voice their opinion. That doesn’t mean you must agree with them, but you must validate their feelings and give them a voice.
10. Gaze Longingly Into Each Other’s Eyes
Every man wants to be looked at as an object of desire. They want you to have that particular look you give them that makes their heart beat. While it takes little to no effort to gaze deep into their eyes, it’s something you should do to connect.
11. Say “I Love You” Frequently
Men want to hear you say, “I love you.” While they’re not notorious for constantly questioning how you feel about them, they like to listen to it. When you say “I love you” to your partner, you reassure them that you still have feelings.
Hearing these three little words can mean everything to them. This is especially true when stressed out at work or life isn’t going how they envisioned.
12. Take A Bubble Bath Together
While bubble baths have always been thought of as something women prefer, don’t think that men don’t like soaking in a tub next to you. There’s something very romantic about having your partner, a glass of wine, and some intense cuddling to enhance your romance.
13. Candlelit Dinners
You’ll drive him mad with desire when you make his favorite meal, light some candles, and put on some mood music. A man loves his romantic partner to make him feel like he’s the only one in the world. Doing these extraordinary things to show them how you feel will help to strengthen your bond and enhance your passion.
14. Engage in Public Displays of Affection
While a guy may like a pretty girl in their arms, they also like their women to be open enough to show their feelings publicly. A man feels special and like he’s won the lottery when his partner kisses him, holds hands, and sits on the same side of the restaurant booth. He loves it when you show the world that he’s yours.
15. Be There for a Romantic Partner
Once you’ve been together for a while, you’re going to see that there are many ups and downs. Some rough times will take him to rock bottom, but he wants you to be there.
He doesn’t want to hear things like “I told you so,” but he wants you to stand by his side and support him. Being there is one of the most incredible things you can do for your man.
16. Give Him Space to Increase Feelings of Romance
Women tend to be a bit clingier than men by nature. However, men sometimes need space. It doesn’t mean they don’t love and care about you, but they want you to understand sometimes they need to be alone to recharge their batteries.
17. Make Them Feel Like a Hero
Since early history, men have developed a primordial sense of being the protector. They want to shield you, so they need you to make them feel like a hero. Let them know how safe you feel with them as your romantic partner, and you must ensure them that as long as they’re by your side, all is right in the world.
18. Let Your Romantic Partner Be Vulnerable
While you may want to be the first to share your feelings, you need to make sure your man gets to be the vulnerable one, too. He should feel safe enough with you to be able to share the innermost parts of his heart without judgment.
According to a study published by the National Library of Medicine, being vulnerable helps with emotion regulation. When your man opens up to you and puts his feelings into words, it’s therapeutic for him.
19. Stand By Your Word
Trust and dependence are parts of keeping things alive with your romantic partner. Your man wants you to do what you say. He wants to know that he can count on you when the world is crumbling around him.
20. Be Faithful to a Romantic Partner
Health Research Funding found that 60 percent of all married people will cheat on their spouse at least once. In fact, 34 percent of those who engaged in infidelity were women, and these ladies claimed they were happy with their spouses.
Your man wants to be the only romantic partner in your life, and he needs you to be upfront and honest about monogamy. It’s much better to tell someone you don’t want to be with them than to cheat and wounds them deeply.
Final Thoughts On Things Guys Want From Their Romantic Partner
As you look over the list, you may see many things you already do for your remarkable man. However, there are probably a few areas that you can improve. Your romantic partner wants to feel like they’re important to you and want you to tell them as such.
Though men and women ultimately have different physical and emotional needs, many things both genders need are very much the same.