|For the Married & Woud-be Married| - What Men Want From Their Wives

Sex is generally listed first, but there are other
things husbands want.

In no particular order, here are ten things that many men
often want from their wives.

Note that these are "wants" --
not emotional needs. As individuals, we are each
responsible for filling our own emotional needs.
We believe that the four basic emotional needs are the need
to be loved and to love; the need to belong; the need for a
good self-image; and the need for autonomy.

Affection
Men also want you to hold his hand in public, leave a
message of love on his voice mail, massage his shoulders,
give him an unexpected kiss, and flirt with him. Husbands
like to be romanced too!

Believe in His Capabilities
Many men believe it is important for them to protect and
provide for those they love. Let your husband know that you
believe in his talents and skills and are supportive of him.

Understanding
One of the ways you can both tell and show your husband
that you want to understand him is by making a
commitment to daily dialogue with him. Daily dialogue only
takes 20 minutes out of your day. Isn't your husband worth
20 minutes each day?

Affirmation
Most guys like to be patted on the back. Compliment your
husband often. Just don't over do it with sicky sweet oozes
of how great he is. That type of affirmation can backfire.

Acceptance
Many husbands are hurt and angered when their wives try
to change them. Realize that the only person that you can
change is yourself.

Less Chatter
Don't yakety-yak all the time. If your husband is tired, or
involved with a project, and you really want to talk to him
about something, get to the point or schedule a time with
him to have the talk.

Respect
Show respect for your husband by not making negative
comments about his thoughts and opinions, by being
considerate of his plans, and by avoiding the "eye roll"
when listening to him.

Free Time
Most everyone has a desire for some quiet time alone , and
time to re-energize, regroup, and reconnect. When your
husband first gets home from work, allow him some free
time to unwind. Don't over-schedule his days off with
projects around the house.

Trust
Trust is vital in the success of a marriage. If you are having
doubts about your husband and find it difficult to trust him,
seek counseling -- not spying.

Companionship
Hopefully, you can say that your husband is not only your
lover, but also your friend. Staying friends and companions
through the years requires that you find ways to make time
to be together and to do things together.