What Makes A Man Happy

This article is from our print magazine issued April 1st 2022. To order a copy of the magazine please do so here.

Relationships trend with the times just like technology, fashion or music, and it’s important to keep up with them in this modern world. I know sometimes they can feel too enigmatic to unravel the core of the problem, but we forget that it is simply two humans attempting to coexist.

When it comes down to it, men are simple creatures with simple needs. Trust me, I’m one of them. So if you feel like your relationship needs a bit of a revamp, or if you are struggling to keep your man happy, here’s a few tips to get back on track.

Mentally

Communication

Without communication nothing else will be able to work. Ask him questions beyond the normal small talk. Ask him how his health is, if he has anything to tell you or if anything is changing between you two.

The other side of this is communicating how you feel. Don’t be afraid to tell him if something is wrong because not talking will only lead to resentment and a bigger hole to patch up once you do get around to it. Say whatever you need to say while it’s fresh in your mind.

Don’t try to change him

If you’re trying to change your man, whether it’s his actions, thoughts or beliefs, there’s probably a bigger problem that is threatening the foundation of your relationship.

I don’t mean something trivial like how he occasionally leaves the toilet seat up, but something like his career, hobbies or core beliefs. Don’t be afraid to question and challenge him, but don’t try to change his essence of who he is because it is like taking someone’s identity from them.

Respect alone time

It doesn’t matter if you're a new couple, been dating for a while or been married for years. Everyone needs some alone time now and then. It’s important to respect his and your own alone time because time for yourself is good for your mental health, and it can organize your thoughts as a whole.

Emotionally

Trust

Trust is right up there with communication. Relationships see hard times even if you know you are soul mates, and trust and communication is what will get you through.

Whether it’s trusting your man to go out with his friends once a week, his judgment or his intuition, it will create a greater bond and instill confidence in him. In turn, this can lead to a better understanding of each other and a more fulfilling feeling of independence, but this must go both ways.

Don’t get jealous

Jealousy works hand in hand with trust. It’s another feeling that can bottle up resentment for a long time and can come out unconsciously. Feelings of jealousy are natural, but they can be worked through so you are not holding on to resentment, losing your trust or pushing your man away.

If you are prone to feeling jealous it’s important to talk about it openly, identify the real cause, and look at the full picture because if you trust him there is no reason to be jealous, but again, this must go both ways. Don’t tear yourself apart over a man who doesn’t deserve trust.

Emotional affection

Men like to seem tough and keep their feelings to themselves, but we secretly seek emotional affection. This isn’t the 50s. We love to get compliments and to feel appreciated and cherished.

So, just make it a point to compliment your man and you will see a change in his behavior. Even if it’s little things like telling him how safe you feel with him, how great he is with the kids or how happy you are to be together because sometimes they are the most important things.

Physically

Be open

When it comes to the bedroom you have to be 100% open with your man because you should both be able to appreciate each other at your most vulnerable times. If there’s anything you want, it’s never going to happen unless you ask for it.

Even if you think it’s stupid or embarassing, I bet your man will think it’s hot or get turned on by the mere mentioning of sex. Talking about sex openly will bring more trust as a whole and more anticipation and passion to the bedroom.

Try new things

This is the fun part. After you’re able to talk about your wants and fantasies, it will feel so much more natural. There will be no guessing or awkwardness about what you both want.

Approach new things in a non-judgmental way, slowly ease yourselves into it and don’t take things too seriously because it’s supposed to be fun and liberating. This is also a way to break down certain barriers, and it can lead to improvements in communication and overall satisfaction.

Be confident

Confidence is sexy. Men love to see their significant other radiating a certain air of sensuality that he can have all to himself. It could be trying out some new sexy clothes for some, or a change in attitude for others that tells your man you know you’re a catch.

It doesn’t have to revolve around the bedroom either, but confidence is important there. It can also dictate the amount of respect you receive and raise your self-esteem.

Relationships require a delicate balance of time, effort and compromise. While taking this into account, you should also determine where you both are in your relationship. You shouldn’t have to force anything, but they do come with their share of challenges.

In that respect, this article shouldn’t be read as a cure-all, but rather some suggestions of exciting ways to breathe fresh air into your relationship. So happy to share this with you loving folks. Keep loving & living.