Contrary to their depiction in most popular media, men also need to feel loved and appreciated. Even those who appear stoic or even aloof are not strangers to wanting some measure of affection. Everyone, regardless of their gender, needs to feel that they are loved. Who better to show how much they’re valued than through the actions of their significant other?
Be His Number One Fan
Love comes in different forms, but nothing is as profound and meaningful as showing support. This is especially important when times get tough. Some men tend to keep their troubles to themselves, having been conditioned to face challenges all on their own. While this can mean that they can pretty much manage on their own, it will be much easier for them to know that someone is behind them all the way.
Showing support for your man doesn’t necessarily have to be complicated or elaborate. You can be his number one fan by giving him some words of encouragement, financially helping him with a passion project, or offering some of your time, so he can take a load off his shoulders.
Listen to Him
It’s no secret that some men tend to keep quiet about their thoughts and feelings. Unlike some women, some men just aren’t built to converse. When they do open up, you can’t expect them to utter more than a handful of words.
This is why it’s important to listen to what he’s saying and what he’s not saying. You can do this by giving him 100% of your attention and not cutting him off mid-sentence. It may seem like a small gesture, but men do value this even if they don’t state it verbally.
Make Him Your Confidant
Just as you’re prepared to listen to your man, you can make his presence feel appreciated when you turn him into your confidant. When he feels that you’re comfortable enough to tell him exactly how you feel or what you’re thinking, it lets him know that you value his opinions as well.
Give Him Space To Be Himself
Something that often goes unnoticed in relationships is how one party is unwittingly trying to control and change the other into their ideal person. This is damaging on so many levels as being in a relationship doesn’t mean having to lose your sense of self.
That said, for your man to feel loved and appreciated, you need to give him ample space to do things outside the orbit of your relationship. Let him hang out with his friends, play games, or watch his favorite movies without you having to be around. Letting your boyfriend be himself tells him that you trust him and you love him for him, not for what you can turn him into.
Speak His Love Language
Some guys like being affectionate, while others love it when you simply spend time with them. There are guys who need to hear you say that you love them, and there are those who feel loved when they receive gifts or experience an act of kindness from their partner. Find out what your boyfriend’s love language is and be absolutely fluent in it. Speaking your man’s love language tells him that the way you show your love is not merely out of obligation but out of the desire to truly make him happy.
Keep Your Promises
Trust is important in any relationship. This is often built over time through small gestures, such as keeping your promises. Following through with your commitments is one way to show that not only are you reliable but that your boyfriend is worth all the time and effort needed to accomplish what you’ve promised him.
Don’t Belittle His Efforts
Nobody wants to be put down for something they’ve tried so hard to do, even if the results aren’t what they expected. Even if your boyfriend failed in something — anything — big or small, don’t make him feel even more of a failure by telling him how he should have done it. More so, never ever do this in front of other people. Instead, recognize his efforts. Let him know that you’re glad he took on the challenge — and that you’ll be there to support him when he tries again.
Be Proud of Him
Further to not belittling your boyfriend’s efforts, don’t miss a chance to be proud of him either. Bragging about someone and being proud of them are two different things. Being proud of your boyfriend’s achievements means being able to healthily express your good feelings about what they’ve accomplished, whether in private or with others. It’s another way to let him know that you recognize his hard work and effort.
Don’t Be Stingy With Your Affection
Some people tend to be inexpressive with their affections, and that’s fine. However, when you’re with your boyfriend, there’s no shame in being affectionate. In fact, he might even appreciate it.
Being affectionate is one way you can assure your partner that you love them and that you want them to feel this through your actions. Alongside verbal affirmations, kissing, touching, and hugging will let your partner feel that you want to be with them both physically and emotionally.
Make Him Feel Trusted
It’s not enough that you want your partner to trust you. You also need to make them feel worthy of your trust. As mentioned, trust is the key to long-lasting relationships, which is why it should go both ways — just like in communication. Thus, you need to be able to trust each other. On your end, making your boyfriend feel that you can trust him completely strengthens your bond and lets him know where he stands in your eyes.
Be Fully Present
Time with your loved ones is always important, which is why you need to be fully present in the moment. Don’t just be physically there, but give your undivided time and attention. Through this simple act, you can make your boyfriend feel how high they are on your priority list.
Be Forgiving
Another thing that’s often overlooked in relationships is the aspect of forgiveness. It’s not easy to say sorry or to forgive someone when they make a mistake, but nobody can deny how important this is for a couple to stay together. As such, be forgiving. When your boyfriend makes a mistake, especially if it’s unintentional, don’t nag them or continue to berate them even after they’ve apologized. For some people, knowing that they messed up is punishment enough. Make your boyfriend feel your love by lowering your pride and accepting their apology.
Actions Speak Louder
They say that the best way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. If you can’t cook, the second-best way is to simply be straightforward with him. Compared to women, who are sometimes riddled with complexities, men tend to be simple creatures — which is why straightforward actions send the clearest messages. When it comes to love and affection, you don’t need to show your appreciation in complicated ways. Simple gestures are often enough and will mean just as much — or even more — to him.