1. Respect
This is the number one need that must be met because men feed off of respect. If he feels disrespected, then you’re not establishing a place where he can feel comfortable. In many situations where a woman disrespects her husband, there is a deeper underlying issue at hand. Most often, a woman doesn’t purposely disrespect their husband – it’s so that they can get their point across. If disrespect is an issue in your relationship, it might be helpful to dig deeper so you can both attack any potential underlying problems.
2. Words
The tone and words you use when speaking to your husband are just as important as what he uses with you. Men won’t respond well to harsh, demeaning, or curse words and will typically refuse to participate in such conversations. Offering a safe social space where you both can discuss without fear of judgment or attack is crucial. This includes nonverbal cues like rolling your neck or pointing fingers in his face. Aggressive gestures play a big role in communication, so always be aware of your verbal and nonverbal speech.
3. Sex
Every person has their own skills related to the bedroom, but it’s important to remove your ego when it comes to something that anyone can access for free. This is why sex should not be a bargaining tool or chip; it should be a service and byproduct of your relationship. Of course, this excludes certain circumstances such as having a bad day, medical issues, or any other valid reason. However, if you’re intentionally withholding sex simply because you have a grudge or had some sort of altercation, then you’re setting your relationship up for failure.
4. Listening
Listening always involves a corresponding action. If you’re not trying to change, grow, or adapt according to what he says, then you’re not listening. There’s nothing more frustrating to a man than trying to communicate his point and build trust, but his wife won’t listen. If you refuse to be a safe space for your husband to speak, then he’ll likely seek someone else who can be.
5. Upkeep
What did you look like when you were dating? How did you get dressed when you were going to see him for coffee or go for a stroll? Chances are that you wanted to look your very best, and this shouldn’t change once you get married. Don’t think that a man would be content with you letting yourself go. We all have to take care of ourselves.
Confidence also plays a role in upkeep. A confident woman is someone a man will admire, and you carry yourself differently depending on how you view yourself. Make sure that you feel good about yourself, that way he can feel good about you as well.
6. Assistance
Most healthy men feel an obligation to provide in the relationship, but it’s also a blessing if their wife assists in any way. Some individuals can take care of all the things in the household, but it feels so much better to have a partnership where you’re both contributing to each other’s goals, dreams, and aspirations.
7. Appreciation
Men need to hear words of appreciation, such as “thank you” or “you’re important to me” or “you’re special”. Outside the home, he’ll receive compliments on his looks, actions, and personality through the kindness of others. If he comes home and receives nothing, he may become bitter and resentful because he’ll hear more praise outside the home than inside.
Whether you are experiencing challenges with communication, sex, trust, or just want to give your relationship some much needed attention to ensure you are both in a good place, we want to help. Contact us today.
