15 SECRETS WOMEN WISH MEN KNEW

Guys, you may think that the woman in your life is complicated, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. All it takes is a (not so) little thing called communication to keep your partner happy and your relationship on the right track.

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The start of a relationship always seems perfect – everything is new, exciting and it feels as though you’re both on the same page, sending thoughtful messages to each other and doing your best to make sure the other feels loved and cared for. Fast forward a few months later and things might be very different. If you’re a woman reading this article, pass it on to your man. If you’re a man reading this – take note – these tips are your key to a happy, healthy relationship – use them very wisely.

1. WE WANT YOU TO HELP OUT

We like to think of ourselves as superwomen, but we’re really not, at least not all of the time. A helping hand here and there goes a long way. So, next time your partner is feeling overwhelmed and you have the capacity to lighten her load – do it. She’ll appreciate it more than you realise.

2. THE SMALL THINGS MAKE THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE
This may surprise you, but it’s the small things you do that mean the most to your partner. Big romantic gestures are great, but it’s not everything. Offer to cook dinner if your partner had a long day at work, if you know she’s having a bad day, spoil her with her favourite treat or offer to give her a mini massage if you know she suffers from tension. These small gestures go a long way to show you care.



3. LISTEN AND ENGAGE 

She’s telling you about her day – you nod. She asks what you think and you agree. Now, you may think that’s listening and engaging, but it’s really not. Listening means putting your phone down, avoiding distractions, and understanding what she’s telling you. Engaging means looking her in the eye and giving her your opinion or feedback.

4. BE HONEST
You might think that it’s okay to tell a white lie here and there, but white lies are the start of bigger lies. If you can’t tell your partner the truth she’ll eventually find out and you’ll be in even bigger trouble. Honesty is always the best policy.

Related article: 4 Decisions you should never make without your partner

5. A MAN THAT CARES IS VERY ATTRACTIVE
Women seem tough because most of the time, they have to be, but when the time comes, we appreciate a man who shows he has a sensitive side – someone who can put their arm around us and say “everything will be okay”.

6. RESPECT MATTERS
This may sound obvious, but many men don’t necessarily know what respect means. Love your partner wholeheartedly, value what she says, and who she is, and be grateful for everything she does. Think about it, if you expect her to respect you, surely, she deserves the same in return?

7. SHOW INTEREST
When your partner tells you about her day, what do you do? Do you listen and pay attention to what she’s telling you about or do you continue to look at your phone and respond to your friends? Your partner confides in you and all she really wants in return is for you to listen and hopefully make her feel better if she’s had a rough day. Turn down the volume on the TV, put your phone down and look at her. Show that you’re interested in what she has to say.

Related article: The 5 love languages and the key to love that lasts

8. NOBODY LIKES A MAN-BABY
Most women are natural nurturers. Caring for you is probably one of our best strengths, but it’s important to remember that your partner is not your mother. Pick up after yourself, do your own ironing, learn how to make a meal – you’re a grown adult, act like it.

9. BE CONSIDERATE
This is one of the easiest things to understand – if you wouldn’t like it done to you, don’t do it to your partner. For example, if your partner is sleeping in bed and you need to get dressed, don’t suddenly switch on the main light, or if you’ve had a few friends over the previous night, tidy up your mess when they leave.

10. MAKE US A PRIORITY
Meeting up with friends is great – everyone needs some time on their own. But when your partner is constantly made to feel like she’s last on your list, she might not be around for very long.

Related article: Date night on a budget

11. ME-TIME IS IMPORTANT
Every woman loves spending time with her man, but she also enjoys the moments spent with her nearest and dearest girlfriends. And if she just wants to be left alone to enjoy a warm bath and her favourite face mask, that should be okay too.

12. WE APPRECIATE CHIVALRY
No matter how modern, strong and independent your woman is, chances are she’ll give you those heart-filled eyes every time you give her your jacket or offer to pay for a date, or open a door for her. All those little things show her that you care for her on a deeper level.

13. STAND UP FOR US
Yes, your partner may be capable of fighting her own battles, but there are some things she needs your support on too. If your mom is interfering in your relationship, for example, your partner would more than likely appreciate you standing up for her. Your relationship with your mom spans decades, but hers may be fairly new and she may not be comfortable taking a stand against your mom.



14. ANSWER THE PHONE 

There’s a reason your partner may be phoning you. If you’re too busy to answer, don’t ghost her. Simply drop her a message to let her know when a better time to talk would be – and then call her back. Simple as that.

15 TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF
Admit it, you love when your partner looks and smells good, right? Well, women like those things too! So trim your nose hair, put on deodorant, get a haircut – you don’t have to be perfect, just take pride in yourself – the same effort your woman brings to the table, you should too.