These ten small gestures are what men appreciate the most, but will never ask for.
Texts just because
You can really brighten his day by sending him a random text message, especially if it’s not to ask about plans or because you need something from him.
When you see something amusing and it reminds you of him, letting him know makes him feel like a part of your daily grind.
Guys won’t ask for this because it’s very easy to sound needy or controlling when you ask someone to text you more.
Asking him to pause
Men often don’t recognize when they need to chill out. They will soldier on even when they’re exhausted or frazzled.
You’ll pick up on the signs before he will. A stiff neck, slumped shoulders, or maybe even a long drawn-out sigh. Sometimes just telling him to sit with you for ten minutes and do nothing can be comforting.
He won’t ask for it because admitting he needs comforting makes him feel slightly weak.
Notice his skills
Sure, guys like it when you compliment their outfit, but what they really keep in their dresser is affirmation that their decision-making, troubleshooting or abilities were noteworthy.
When a guy hears that you noticed how he skillfully managed a difficult situation or how cool of a fix he came up with, it resonates much deeper.
He doesn’t brag about needing this kind of affirmation because it sounds vain to ask for compliments about his skills.
Taking the lead
Being asked to make decisions all the time (what to eat, where to go, what to do this weekend, etc.) can wear on a man mentally.
When you surprise him and take care of something without his input (like saying, “Don’t worry about dinner tonight, I got us covered. Just be here.”) he can mentally shut off.
He won’t ask you to do this because he doesn’t want to seem like he’s not pulling his weight.
Showing public support
Supporting him in front of other people means more to a man than just hearing it from you alone.
Hearing you talk about one of his successes or defending his point of view to your friend lets him know you have his back.
Men will never ask you to do this because it sounds selfish and needy to ask your partner to compliment them around others.
Being quiet together
Male parallel play (quietly sitting together while reading, playing video games, or working on individual projects) is one of the highest forms of affection for men.
It lets you unwind, secure in your partner’s presence, no need to fill the silence after a demanding day.
Men seldom request this because they fear appearing as if they are bored with you when they need some quiet time.
Keeping things light
Life isn’t perfect. Sometimes you trip over your words, turn the wrong way or screw up small tasks.
If she giggles softly instead of getting mad or highlighting the mistake, he’ll feel free to be himself around you.
This is something he’ll never ask for, as admitting to a blunder isn’t something anyone enjoys.
Recall small details
Was he talking about how much he loves a particular snack? Buy some next time you’re shopping. Or maybe mention that hilarious story he shared with you about his grandparents.
These little things prove you were paying attention and that you kept it in mind. You make his opinions matter to you when he’s not even speaking.
Guys don’t ask for this because you can’t ask someone to be attentive. It’s only special if you’re naturally that way.
Giving nonse**al affection
Men can go days, weeks, sometimes months without receiving any type of non-s***al touch. That kind of physical connection, free from any expectation of se*, is incredibly grounding for him.
Whether it’s scratching his neck, playing with his hair while watching tv or simply holding hands on the drive to work, you are providing him with a genuine need.
He might hesitate to bring it up, worried that asking for affection will feel like you’re just ticking off a box.
Encouraging his hobbies
Don’t just allow him to have outside interests. Encourage him to make time to do what he loves.
You respect him as a person and realize he is more than your boyfriend. He knows that he can have space to do his thing and he doesn’t feel guilty or quietly resentful about it. And he respects that.
Guys might hesitate to bring this up, worried that asking for a bit of personal space could be misinterpreted.
Sources: Please see here for a complete listing of all sources that were consulted in the preparation of this article.
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