7 Things Every Man Needs To Hear
The amount of ways our love for someone can be expressed is infinite. We could show our devotion by always remembering to pick up his meds on time, putting together delicious dinners, offering a back rub after a long, arduous day, or holding hands – we might even try to tailor our ways of communicating our love to his unique love language, so that our expressions will be even better received.
But even with his particular love language preferences, there are a few phrases that will be universally appreciated – encouraging, loving, thoughtful things we can say that will mean the world to him. So what are these phrases, you ask? Read on to find out.
“Thank you for what you do.”
We all crave recognition for our special ways of contributing to our significant other’s life. Recognizing what he adds to our life and shows us love, whether through planning dates, encouraging us in our career, or making us coffee every morning. Being specific when we express gratitude for his unique additions will help him feel appreciated, as well as let him know that his efforts don’t go unnoticed.
“You look handsome in that shirt.”
Men are taught quickly that one of the simplest yet most wonderful compliments they can give a woman they’re dating is how nice she looks; we love to feel as though our attempts to look nice were successful – and he needs this assurance from us, too. As much as we’d revel in being told that we look beautiful in a new dress, he’d love to hear that we noticed how nice he looks, giving him a wonderful ego boost for the day.
“You’re really good at that.”
We assume that if someone’s particularly good at something, they’re already aware of that, so why tell them something they already know? But really, it doesn’t matter if he knows he’s an incredible cook, or he knows he has a lovely singing voice, or he knows he’s got a knack for languages – what matters is that we know, and that we tell him so. World-famous performers and athletes have award ceremonies for the very thing they already know they’re gifted at — so it’s safe to say that our significant other still needs our recognition, too.
“I believe in you.”
Few things will inspire the kind of confidence that this phrase can – and especially when it comes from a significant other. Our opinion and faith in his abilities matter deeply, and our taking the time to encourage and embolden him in whatever he’s pursuing will help him feel less alone, as well as all the more capable, bold, and competent.
“I’m lucky to have you.”
Even the most remarkable, brilliant, inspiring person becomes normal to us after a while. We forget the qualities that drew us to them to begin with, and the reasons we felt as if we’d won the grand prize by being with them. Reminding ourselves of what made us fall for him in the first place, and letting him know how lucky we continue to feel being with him, even years down the road, will make him feel loved beyond words.
“You inspire me to be better.”
We all appreciate hearing the ways in which we’ve grown, bettered ourselves, and exhibited positive changes. But what we all love to hear is that we’ve actually inspired someone else to do the same – this makes his challenge to mature and grow even more meaningful to him, as it’s also served to better the woman he loves.
“I’m sorry.”
Every relationship will inevitably have its moments of disagreement, and in turn, moments in which an apology is necessary. Owning up to our faults and offering genuine words of remorse or regret will allow him to feel like his pain is understood and validated by us, and that he can count on us to hold ourselves accountable. The power of an apology stretches far beyond what we can comprehend in the moment.