Supposedly, men are the uncomplicated gender. ‘Women are hard to understand’, they claim, but are men themselves easier to understand? It is hard to figure out what they are thinking when, as a gender, men tend to suppress their actual feelings. Girls, your man is highly unlikely to be candid about his needs or feelings; all he will provide are subtle hints that you must decode.
What Do Boyfriends Really Want From Their Girlfriends?
Men, in general, want a peaceful relationship and reciprocation of their love. It seems deceptively easy, but it’s not. Communication is not man’s best friend. It can be tough to gather what he really likes. Men find it difficult to communicate their feelings, so we have come up with a list of 15 common things that guys secretly love. These are definitely things guys wish their girlfriends would do, take our word for it!
1. Guys like their girlfriends to pamper them
While romcoms always show the man going down on his knees with a bouquet of flowers and a ring, we suggest that you start surprising him every now and then with little gifts too. These are one of the things guys secretly love. This can be anything from a wallet to a handmade card to an I-pad. It is a thoughtful gesture and shows you are making an effort.
2. Support him
Support doesn’t necessarily mean physical assistance or financial support. Sometimes, it just denotes emotional support under any and every circumstance. A man feels a boost in his self-esteem when he has you as his emotional bulwark. It may not seem like it, but being supportive is one of the foremost things guys like girlfriends to do because who doesn’t need a supportive partner in their lives?
3. Send him sweet, romantic text messages
Don’t you love receiving his sweet morning texts? To reciprocate, you could send him other sweet, romantic messages in the middle of a busy day, denoting that you think of him while otherwise occupied. Complicated messages are not required. Even a simple ‘I love you’, ‘I was thinking of you’ or some other cute texts will make your man feel wanted and important.
4. Guys like their girlfriends to make them laugh
According to most guys, one of the most adorable acts their girlfriends do is make them laugh. You do not need stand-up comedy skills or corny WhatsApp jokes to make him laugh. Your own sense of humour or comic actions will suffice. Making funny faces, tickling him or making fun of anything around would just do the trick. Private jokes will go a long way in making him feel secure. In fact, some men say that even if you laugh at their jokes or when they are doing something goofy, it is a big ego boost!
5. Guys want their girlfriends to listen to them
It is a common misconception that women talk while men brood. Still, you need to be a good listener to your man and be alert to his expressions of his thoughts. Men do cry when sad and laugh when happy. All they need is an understanding, empathetic listener in you. In fact, Joseph Hindy, writing in Lifehack, says that each time he opened up about something important, his girlfriend sat and listened. It helped get a huge load off his chest and made him feel better again. It is something men cannot get with their guy friends!
6. Appreciate his efforts
From handling your mood swings to pampering you, your guy puts an effort in the relationship. You can reciprocate by appreciating him. Every once in a while, it wouldn’t hurt to leave a Thank You note or a card on his side table saying how much he means to you.
7. Compliment him
Men are savvy, suave dressers too, and it is a good idea to let them know it. Like us women, compliments do make men happy! Sincere compliments are way better than empty, insincere-sounding flattery. Compliments in a relationship make the other person feel noticed and attractive. Being more generous with their compliments is one of the things guys wish their girlfriends would do more often.
8. Dress up for him
‘While you should mainly dress for yourself, your guy will like you dressing up for him once in a while. Making an effort to look good for him will bring him closer.
9. Guys like their girlfriends to take the initiative
If you take an initiative, especially in bed, he will love it. Men like it when their women begin things and you take charge. Men like to cuddle, too, so a little cuddling on the couch while watching a movie or at bedtime is good for you to make him feel closer.
10. Make sure he knows you are ‘head-over-heels’ in love with him
When you whisper soft nothings in his ear or when you look into his eyes with fond admiration, he will know. Men like being reminded that their partners are attracted to them. It works wonders in bed too.
11. Respect his sexual desires and fantasies
Always be willing to try out his fantasies in the bedroom. Make the effort to fulfil his sexual needs, but not at the cost of your own peace, of course. He will respond to that by catering to your sexual needs and fantasies!
12. Be communicative
Most men complain about being unable to understand what their partner wants. Be direct about your needs and feelings and communicate better rather than dropping subtle hints or beating around the bush.
13. Involve yourself with his friends and family members
If you are in a serious relationship, he would have introduced you to his friends and family. Mingle with them and try to build a rapport and be liked by them. It shows you are serious about the relationship. Getting along with their family is one of the things guys like girlfriends to do.
14. Take his opinions in important decisions of your life
You are a strong, independent woman who makes her own choices, but asking his opinion before making any major decisions will make him feel important. Guys really want their girlfriends to treat them with love and respect and as a part of your team when it comes to surviving life.
15. Make him a part of your personal circle
Your man wants to be as much a part of your personal circle as you of his. He will be elated if you introduced him to close ones as your ‘boyfriend’. The acknowledgement of a relationship is as important to men as it is to women. Relationships can be difficult especially if you do not know what your partner wants. There are things guys wish their girlfriends would do, but unfortunately, most of them fail to express it.