Ladies: Bet you don’t even realize when you’re doing half of them!
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Whether a guy is just starting to date a woman or is in a committed relationship with her, there are small things she may do without thinking twice about it. And guys secretly love what she’s doing.
While there are many, here are eight I’m particularly fond of:
1. Laying your head on his chest.
When laying on the couch watching TV or laying in bed after a long day, it’s one of the best feelings when a woman lays her head on your chest and puts her arm over you. As men, we enjoy feeling as though we are being protective, and this signifies that she feels safe in our arms.
2. When you text him first.
There’s a lot of pressure on guys to always initiate conversation. Sometimes, he may not know if he’s being too pushy or texting too much. He might over-think it and not text you at all, which could leave you wondering.
Guys like to feel affection too and if he’s really into you he will be thinking about you. Sending him a quick text will brighten his day and spark a good conversation.
3. Telling him you appreciate him.
Some people are more affectionate than others and there’s nothing wrong with that. Just remember, if a man puts a lot of effort into your relationship (as he should), he will never complain about hearing how much you appreciate him.
While he should be able to read your feelings from your actions, some guys need a more direct approach. It will make him feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
4. Playing with his hair while he’s driving.
I didn’t realize how great this one was until my girlfriend randomly did it one day. If you’re riding shotgun, reach over and lightly scratch the back of his head for awhile. It’s guaranteed to make him smile. (Don’t distract him too much though … he’s driving!)
5. Bragging about him on Facebook.
Some girls go overboard with this — like, way overboard. But if your guy does something nice for you, it never hurts to talk about it or snap a photo of the impromptu dinner he arranged when you got home from work.
It will show him that you appreciate him, and are willing to share your appreciation and love for him with the world.
6. Really listening.
Women know better than anyone that listening isn’t just a passive activity. It’s an action … and it takes effort. Sometimes, a guy has something important going on in his life, is working towards a goal, or is just stressed out about work.
When you sit down, keep his eye contact and become genuinely engaged in a conversation about something important to him. It will let him know you care (even if he already does).
7. Texting him when you’re out with your friends.
I’ve heard some really bad stories about guys who are insanely jealous or don’t “let” their girlfriend go out with friends, especially with other guys. While I understand the apprehension, a man should be secure enough in his relationship (and trust his girlfriend enough) to not worry every second she is out without him.
If you have a man who is mature enough to tell you to go have a good time, text him every now and then during the course of the night just to say hello. It will make him smile and let him know that you’re still thinking about him when you’re out.
8. Being affectionate.
You don’t have to jump on him in public, but small things like taking his hand while you’re walking, hugging him in line at the grocery store, or hooking your arm into his as you walk into a party will make him feel close to you, and that you’re proud to be with him.
The little things go a long way. Men are relatively easy to please. When we say that, we mean it. We don’t require a lot to stay happy, and we really do love doing things for our girlfriend to make her feel special.
That being said, relationships are a two-way street. The good news is that it doesn’t take grand romantic gestures to make a man happy. Just slip a note in his pocket to find during the day, or kiss him on the cheek while you’re watching TV.
These small things will make him (and you) smile.
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James Michael Sama is an award-winning Boston based blogger on the topics of dating and relationships, having amassed over 30 million readers in just a year and a half. He writes and speaks on the topics of chivalry, romance, and happiness throughout the country and has been featured repeatedly in news segments, talk shows, and mainstream radio.
Small gestures like this are enough to keep women happy too….
Not all appreciate it !
Texting him first was true when we weren’t married yet… But when we were, he got bored or it felt like he felt obligated to open his phone always because he knows I msg him.. He tells me that he couldn’t sleep properly( he’s working abroad) because of my msgs. He feels he has to wake up already to reply even when I tell him many times that thera was no need to reply..so the effect was more negative.. And we fight because of it.
Is it just me, or is the Good Men Project getting very buzzfeed-y lately? It’s been a ton of rather obvious listicles about romance, and not much about other things (raising boys, being men, being allies, etc), at least being posted on FB. No offense to the author of this article, just something I’ve noticed recently
Hi Abe, Unfortunately, this is a result of Facebook’s algorithm—which, not surprisingly, is how Buzzfeed rose so meteorically. If a post starts doing well, then Facebook will show it to 10x as many people. These kind of posts do well. So to viewers like you, it may well seem like we are posting 10x as many of that kind of article. But those are just being shown to more. We’re working on the solution. In the meantime—if you want to sign up for our Email list, you’ll get a much wider range and can also sign up for specific topics.… Read more »
Thanks! I like y’alls work, just been a little disappointed lately — but I can see from the website it’s more of a FB issue than content
Hate to be negative but some of these articles are painfully obvious to the point of feeling quite patronising.
these would melt me. Wish I had someone (full stop) who did this.
Very good article and very enlightening for us women.. Im here Ben…
#0 = Initiating sexual advances – There’s a reason why it’s zero – because our eyes bug out with that ‘wwwait.. what?’ You actually like making love to us. That speaks volumes rather than the, would you please have sex with me and what do I need to buy you now, ego balloon popper. #4 = Don’t do that while driving. At least for me – it’ll relax me to the point of falling asleep. Definitely put your hand on ours or our thigh – you’re letting us know you’re here in the moment. #9 = Brush your hand across… Read more »