To women, men can be a mystery in terms of what they look for in a partner and what they want from a relationship. Some men may even give the impression they need only two things: steak and sex! The truth is, while men may not be naturally inclined to communicate their desires, most have a secret wish list of emotional needs. Read on to learn what men want most from the women they romance and use those suggestions to help build a strong, successful partnership.
Taking the Initiative
Women often believe that men are turned off by assertiveness. As a result, some take a passive role in dating and relationships. In reality, most men struggle with insecurity and appreciate a woman who takes the initiative in a subtle way. Men enjoy when a woman shows she is interested by making eye contact, smiling or lightly touching their arm during a conversation.
Stroking His Ego
Men are drawn to women who are loyal and supportive and show an interest in the things they enjoy. Few are interested in a relationship with someone who constantly belittles, criticizes or complains. A woman who appreciates the small things a man does for her, offers encouragement and helps boost his self-confidence has the greatest chance of winning his heart.
Not Playing Hard to Get
By nature most men enjoy pursuing a woman, but there is a line between being charmingly reserved and playing hard to get. Men don't want to risk rejection from a woman who appears unattainable and most view playing hard to get as a nuisance which prevents two people from getting to know each other. A better choice is for a woman to be honest, kind and sincere to a man she is interested in.
Avoid Jealousy Games
Although men are competitive, most respond unfavorably to women who use jealousy as a way to draw them closer. When a man is made to feel jealous, it heightens his insecurities and he struggles with the belief that someone else may satisfy his partner in ways he cannot. Rather than confronting those insecurities, a man will usually drop a woman who repeatedly bruises his ego. A woman who feels neglected or misunderstood should discuss her feelings with her partner rather than devising a ploy to trick him into loving her more.
Being Independent
A successful relationship requires both partners to be independent and lead their own lives with their own friends and interests. To earn a man's respect, a woman shouldn't insist on being attached to his hip or complain when he wants to go out with his friends. Men tend to distance themselves from women who are clingy or rely on them for entertainment and companionship.
For more information on romance and relationships read Five Signs You're In a Dead End Relationship and Five Simple Steps to Keep Your Partner From Cheating.
Sources:
- Rachel Greenwald, Have Him at Hello: Confessions from 1,000 Guys About What Makes them Fall in Love...Or Never Call Back, Three Rivers Press, March 2010.
- Steve Santagati, The Manual: A True Bad Boy Explains How Men Think, Date and Mate - and What Women Can Do to Come Out on Top, May 2008.
- Marie Forleo, Make Every Man Want You: How to Be So Irresistible You'll Barely Keep From Dating Yourself!, McGraw-Hill, April 2004.
- Susan Page, If I'm so Wonderful, Why Am I Still Single?, Three Rivers Press, March 2002.
- Bradley Gerstman and Christopher Pizzo, What Men Want: Three Professional Single Men Reveal to Women What it Takes to Make a Man Yours, Harper Paperbacks, September 2000.
Danielle McGinnis - Danielle McGinnis is the mother of a college freshman and full-time freelance writer.
