What makes a man feel loved? If posed as an essay question, almost every woman would have a slightly different answer.
For some women, the key to making a man feel loved is by doing little things for him every single day, like keeping his favorite beverage stocked in her fridge or giving him a back rub when he's had a particularly hard day.
Others choose to express their love is less deliberate or obvious ways, such as by being his constant source of emotional support no matter what and at all times.
The truth is that just as every woman expresses her love differently, every man receives love differently as well. While back rubs and more support might work for one man, another might require something completely different.
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But while men and women are quite different in many ways, there is one way in which we're all similar: We all want to know we are loved and desired by our partners, no matter how long we've been together or how unromantic we consider ourselves to be.
There's no one size fits all way to make a man feel loved, so you have to figure out what works for the man you love in particular, as well as what works for you.
To get a better sense of some examples that have worked for other couples, we took a peek at Reddit 's Ask Men forum, where one redditor asked, "What are things your partner does to make you feel loved and wanted?"
In typical Reddit fashion, the guys over there weren't afraid to get personal and share private stories of their own experiences in relationships. While you may notice that some common themes, you'll find a wide range of loving acts and expressions that make a strong impression on men.
Check out these 19 meaningful ways to make a man feel loved, according to guys on Reddit.
1. Show enthusiasm.
"I can give a ream of cute examples but quite frankly when you strip it all away it comes down to this: she still, after 10 years, approaches all her interactions with me with enthusiasm and sincerity. She so obviously [cares], and that manifests in every word she says, everything she does, every gesture she makes. I've never once felt like she was nonchalant or apathetic about the relationship, and that it was just dull and faded wallpaper in the house of her life."
2. Surprise him with hugs.
"She surprise hugs me all the time, even when I'm trying to do something (but she knows when it's cute vs 'seriously I really don't want to burn you with this pan.') She'll make me tea most mornings as I'm the lazy bones. She craves skin contact, PJs just aren't a thing in our house (unless we have guests) and will hold on to me and steal my body heat! I reciprocate of course, but these little gestures and gifts really add up to make me feel like I really matter."
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3. Constantly make contact.
"She reaches out to hold my hand or when she grabs onto my arm whenever we're out shopping or doing errands or whatever or whenever we're just at home watching TV on the couch. I love seeing her hand reach back for me if she's walking ahead. I love feeling her hands grab onto mine or her grabbing on to my arm if I'm walking ahead."
4. Send messages in Morse code.
"Once, back when we were dating, my wife started squeezing my hand in rapid succession. I asked her what she was doing and she replied 'It's Morse code for I love you.' Neither of us knows Morse code she was just being a dork. We have done it ever since."
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5. Dork out with him.
"When we were arranging the wood floors in our first house, which had skinny and wide boards, we used the binary for 'LOVE.' Turned out to be a great, appearing-random pattern for the floors, and now that house will always have love."
6. Make him coffee in the morning.
"Wakes me up every morning with a cup of coffee in bed. I know when I’ve done something bad if I don’t get coffee lol. Makes for an awkward walk down to the kitchen ... hate those mornings."
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7. Giving early morning cuddles.
"Those lazy mornings when she wakes up, says good morning as she rolls/moves immediately over to resume the cuddle sesh from last night that was interrupted by my snoring, our collective body heat or a combination of the two. May fall asleep again or lay there in silence. Either way, she wants to be close to me, and I eat that up."
8. Send fun, flirty texts.
"Most notably are the times when we've not seen each other for a week or so, and I'll get a 'thinking about you' or other mildly suggestive text from her."
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9. Bolster his confidence.
"I was the type of guy that didn't take his shirt off when I got with my woman. Two years later being with someone i consider my other half I recognize she has made me more comfortable in my skin then ever in my life ... All because this woman makes me feel loved and wanted always."
10. Be supportive.
"Whenever I do something, she's always there to help me out. no matter what, unless she's busy, and vice versa. Like the other day, working on my truck, she had nothing better to do, so she sat down with my toolbox and handed me tools as I laid there. I couldn't have been more in love at that moment."
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11. Do lots of little loving things all the time.
"Text me randomly just to tell me that she loved me. Always would keep a hand on my thigh when I was driving. Would demand we watch shows on my laptop in my bed so she could cuddle, would talk about just wanting to spend the whole day lying in bed with me whenever she would stay over."
12. Be affectionate.
"Touching me. My love language is definitely affectionate touch... Just touching my shoulders, arms, or chest just makes me feel really good."
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13. Randomly send sweet emails.
"She randomly sends me emails with things she likes about me. Kinda like an e-love note. I get excited every time I see an email with a '...' subject. That's how she always does it."
14. Express your appreciation.
"Words are my thing (I write for a living), so I'm used to giving a lot more than I get. But she makes an effort to express things that she likes about me. Just today, I got a text thanking me, not just for a conversation we had the other day, but for being the sort of person who starts that conversation. That's really specific, thoughtful feedback, so I know [quite] well that she means it."
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15. Scratch his back.
"She randomly gives me back scratches. Cooking dinner? Back scratches. Watching TV? Back scratches."
16. Care for your children.
"She folds all the laundry all of it (she hates how I fold things). She is much better at planning events and coordinating. She is much more motivated to clean the house (we both clean but she starts the frenzy every time). Lastly (and this doesn't even really reflect on me but ), how she is with our boys. She may get annoyed by them but 99% of the time it is all giggles and smiles and it warms my heart."
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17. Help him crack his knuckles.
"She pops my fingers. Very therapeutic."
18. Be his early bird.
"My wife's alarm goes off at 5:45. She pretty much jumps right out of bed, lets the dog out, brushes her teeth and then makes me a cup of coffee before starting her exercise routine. When my alarm goes off at 6:00 there's a nice, hot cup of strong, black coffee sitting right next to my bathroom sink. I'm a very lucky guy and thankful for it every day."
19. Hug him from behind.
"I know there are a ton of in depth answers, but I love physical touch and when she hugs me from behind it makes me feel like the best guy on Earth."
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Rebecca Jane Stokes is an editor and writer living in Brooklyn, New York. She writes about pop culture, relationships, psychology and news.
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FAQs
How do you make a man feel truly loved? ›
In plain language: Men often feel most loved by the women in their lives when their partners hug them, kiss them, smile at them, and explicitly offer gratitude, praise, and words of affection. Men also feel loved and connected through sexuality, often to a greater degree than women do.
What 3 things a man needs in a relationship? ›According to Steve Harvey, if you provide a man with these three things in a relationship, he won't leave: support, loyalty, and intimacy. Harvey says that men may hide behind their macho demeanors, but in the end they just want to feel special.
How do you make a man feel special and unique? ›- Compliment him. This may surprise a lot of women, but it's rare for a man to receive genuine compliments. ...
- Ask him for his advice. ...
- Wear that outfit that you know he loves. ...
- Give him your undivided attention. ...
- Make him feel comfortable venting to you. ...
- Be affectionate with him. ...
- Show him he's a priority. ...
- Pick up the tab.
Physical attraction, sexual compatibility, empathy, and emotional connection are key to making a man fall in love with a woman.
What words make a man feel special? ›- “I love you. ...
- Know that in my heart, I love you – more than you know. ...
- “Sometimes, I feel that I don't deserve you. ...
- You've been the perfect man for me despite my moods.
- I am truly blessed to know and to have you in my life.”
- “I will love you more than yesterday.
- Remind him of all of his good qualities.
- Do sweet, romantic things for him often.
- Discover new things to do together.
- Be cool with his friends.
- Keep things sexy.
- Give him space to do his own thing.
- Make time for your own interests.
- Call him by cute names often:
- Keep him guessing:
- Touch him unexpectedly:
- Small changes do make a big difference:
- Compliment him often:
- Take him down the memory lane:
- Give him ample space:
- Smell good at all times:
Men want love as badly as women do. They just might not always be as obvious about it. But generally, they want the same thing: friendship, companionship, chemistry.
What are the five needs of a man? ›Food, water, clothing, sleep, and shelter are the bare necessities for anyone's survival.
How do I make my man feel valued? ›- Show your appreciation. ...
- Tell them 'I love you' throughout the day. ...
- It's in the little things. ...
- Try to do at least one nice thing for your partner every day. ...
- Give them your undivided attention. ...
- Tell them how attracted you are to them.
How does a man like to be hugged? ›
You can put both arms around his neck and keep one palm gently on the nape of his neck. If your arms are around his neck, run your fingers softly through the hair at the base of his neck. If your arms are around his torso, rub his back gently. A behind-the-back hug can also be a good way to hug a guy hello.
What guys like to hear? ›- 1. “ I Appreciate All You've Taught Me.” ...
- 2. “ Your Children Are So Kind.” ...
- 3. “ Your Friends Are Great” ...
- 4. “ I've Always Trusted Your Decisions.” ...
- 5. “ You're A Great Cook.” ...
- 7. “ You Get More Patient Every Day.” ...
- 8. “ You're 'Man Enough'” ...
- 9. “ You're So Creative.”
A strong will and determination often make the list of qualities that make a woman unforgettable. Indecisiveness can make people think you are not confident. Also, it makes it easy for others to force their opinions on you.
How to tell if hes in love with you? ›- He looks up the movie you've been waiting to see and surprises you with a date night. ...
- He brings you flowers for no reason. ...
- He really tries to make you come. ...
- He doesn't look at his phone when you're around. ...
- He texts you pictures of inside jokes and things that remind him of you.
Men love women who are thoughtful, caring, loving and kind. A woman who does little things for her man for no other reason other than that she loves him. A woman who makes him smile back whenever she smiles at him. A woman who radiates love and warmth from her heart.
What words make a man melt? ›"I can't imagine my life without you."
Even if you've been together for years, your man will love a message like this. He'll appreciate knowing that he holds such a significant place in your life (and your heart). "You make life so much better." "You're the love of my life."
Romantic Love Messages for Husband
I choose you every day, and I'm so lucky you choose me, too. I didn't know what marrying your best friend meant until I met you. You're my first thought every morning and my last thought before I go to sleep. You inspire a love in me that I never knew was possible.
- “I wish you were here right now.” ...
- “When I look into your eyes, I see a gateway to a world I want to exist in.” ...
- “I feel so protected and safe when you're around me.” ...
- “I can't imagine my life without you.” ...
- “You are such a chivalrous gentlemen when you're with me.”
Another factor that makes a man emotionally attached is when you become vulnerable with them. This subtly nudges the guy to become vulnerable, making him emotionally attached in the long run. Also, another answer to what makes men emotionally attached is when you show gratitude.
How do you fulfill a man's emotional needs? ›- Compliment him. ...
- Show commitment. ...
- Show interest in his hobbies. ...
- Be thoughtful when relating to him. ...
- Learn to listen to him. ...
- Show your independence. ...
- Don't talk down on how he shows his emotions. ...
- Allow him to know more about you.
How do you turn the tables and make him chase you? ›
- Don't Try to Win Him Over.
- Be Mysterious.
- Hold Off From Calling or Texting Him.
- Flirt with Him.
- Don't Give Him the Impression He is The Only Guy in the Picture.
- Related.
The passage states that every man is born into this world with a strong desire to live well. Thus the desire of every man in this world is to live well. Was this answer helpful?
What does a man want most? ›Men Crave Emotional Intimacy
Such vulnerability includes expressing concern, showing pain, divulging fears, etc. But some men do crave emotional support from their partners. They want to feel comfortable enough with their partner to share their secrets, their fears, and how they really feel if they are wired this way.
Compliment him often
It Is not just women, but even men love compliments. If your man looks good on a certain day, compliment him. If he did something to help you with household chores, appreciate him for this. It will boost his confidence.
For Maslow, the basic needs were the physiological, safety, social, esteem, and “self-actualization” needs (Maslow 1943). Physiological needs include the need for air, food, water, shelter, etc. Safety needs include the need for stability, a home to live in, and a secure family environment.
What are the two basic needs of man? ›Food, clothing and shelter altogether make up the basic needs of man to survive in any kind of environment.
What are the 10 basic needs of man? ›Many modern lists emphasize the minimum level of consumption of "basic needs" of not just food, water, clothing and shelter, but also transportation (as proposed in the Third talk of Livelihood section of Three Principles of the People) sanitation, education, and healthcare. Different agencies use different lists.
What does cuddling mean to guys? ›"Cuddling, especially with someone you like, gives you a sense of closeness and relaxed intimacy that's difficult to find in other activities. If you feel comfortable with the other person, it kind of just let's you relax and not have to do much physically.
What do guys like during cuddling? ›They like making you feel safe
When they cuddle with you, they know you feel safe and secure in their arms. Even if there aren't any real dangers, guys perceive cuddling as a way to protect you. In addition, they also know it makes you feel loved, so when they cuddle you, it's also a sign of affection and warmth.
- Cleanliness. Beauty is more than make-up and a fancy haircut. ...
- Caring. Instinctively, men and women are attracted to people who could potentially look out for them if something were to happen in the future. ...
- Discipline. ...
- Friendliness. ...
- Maturity. ...
- Punctuality. ...
- Romantic.
How to charm a man? ›
- Smile. TODAY. ...
- Don't hide in the corner. Stay away from hiding yourself in the corner, with furniture or plants. ...
- Ask for his help. ...
- Talk about your hobbies. ...
- Don't dress for your girlfriends. ...
- Look him in the eye. ...
- Avoid the obvious. ...
- Go out alone or with one other friend.
Maintaining close physical contact
If a man wants to show that he loves you, he will always want to stay close to you. However, when it comes to how do guys express their feelings, you will notice that they maintain physical proximity with you. He might hold your hand, hug you or wrap his arm around you.
Like women, men want a life partner who will be trustworthy, faithful and reliable. They want a wife who will stand by their side and, considering divorce rates, it's no surprise that dependability would continue to be attractive.
What intrigues a man? ›Show a bit of interest in him.
Flirt just a tiny bit to make him think there's a chance that you like him, but not to make him think that you want him. Just give him enough to leave him thinking about you and wanting to see you again. Use his name when you talk to him, and make a bit of eye contact.
- They Talk About Their Parent's Happy Marriage.
- They Are Planning Your Life Together.
- They've Been Engaged Before.
- They Want Unprotected Sex.
- They Talk About Their Wedding Plans.
- They Want You to Meet the Family.
- Ask About Your Partner's Future Goals.
- Be Honest About What You Want.
- Value Your Self-Esteem.
- Speak Your Mind.
- Be Compassionate and Empathetic.
- Don't Be Afraid to Be Vulnerable.
- Live With Passion.
- Have Your Own Life.
- Strive for Emotional Maturity.
- Always Be a Lady.
- Be his best friend. ...
- Be spontaneous and playful. ...
- Give him his space. ...
- Never bring up his past in fights. ...
- Be vocal about what you want from your man. ...
- Never go for the silent treatment. ...
- Compliment him often. ...
- Be wild in bed.
Clear communication, respect, and honesty can go a long way in helping them open up and reveal their innermost desires or insecurities. While you need to pay attention to their unspoken words and cues, giving them their personal space is also important in strengthening the relationship and communication further.
How do guys get emotionally attached? ›Another factor that makes a man emotionally attached is when you become vulnerable with them. This subtly nudges the guy to become vulnerable, making him emotionally attached in the long run. Also, another answer to what makes men emotionally attached is when you show gratitude.
What does a man do when he is deeply in love? ›He will pay attention to your wants and needs and make an effort to give it to you. He listens to your requests, tries to accommodate your wishes, and does things you say will make you happy. And he does it happily because he wants to make you happy.
How do you keep a man interested in you forever? ›
- Don't be over-possessive. Everyone needs some private space even when they are in a relationship. ...
- Show your cooking skills. Save. ...
- Support him in his interests. ...
- Be your unique self. ...
- Appreciate him. ...
- Stay positive. ...
- Be respectful. ...
- Be playful.
Men want love as badly as women do. They just might not always be as obvious about it. But generally, they want the same thing: friendship, companionship, chemistry.
What do men like to hear? ›Among what men want to hear from women, positive comments about how handsome they look are one of the major compliments. If your man looks good, you should not hesitate to remind him of how handsome he looks.
What pet names do guys like? ›- Boo.
- Booboo Bear.
- Sweetheart.
- Baby Boy.
- Baby/Babe.
- Baby Love.
- Boo Thang.
- Love Bug.
For example, he holds your hand, has his arms around you, hugs you, always sit close to you, etc. 2- He puts a lot of efforts to make you feel loved. He brings random gifts for you, sings a song for you on a special day, makes time to talk to you anyhow, makes sudden plans, etc. 3- He always listens to you properly.
What a man needs from a woman? ›- She Is Family- And Friend-Oriented. Of course, not every person is close to their family. ...
- She Is Charming. ...
- She Is Kindhearted. ...
- She Is Intellectually Challenging. ...
- She Is Ambitious. ...
- She Is Consistent. ...
- She Is Empathetic And Understanding. ...
- She Is Willing To Put In The Effort.
- Celebrate the good things in your relationship. ...
- Talk openly about your feelings and what you need from the relationship.
- Create opportunities for intimacy. ...
- Accept that your relationship will have highs and lows. ...
- Be positive and grateful about what you have in your relationship.