How to Love a Man: 16 Ways to Show Him You Care

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Help your man feel heard, respected, & deeply loved
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When you really love a man, you want to make sure that he knows just how much. It's hard to know how to communicate those feelings sometimes, but thankfully, there are so many easy and meaningful ways to display your love and affection. Whether he's your husband or a new boyfriend you're falling for, our helpful tips and insights from dating and relationship experts will show you how to love your man and make the relationship last.

How to Love Your Man

  1. Give him genuine compliments .
  2. Write him a love note .
  3. Surprise him to show you care with gifts and nights out.
  4. Build him up when he needs it.
  5. Treat him with respect .
  6. Listen to him.
  7. Accept him for who he is.
1

Give him genuine compliments.

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  1. You can certainly compliment him by saying , "You're so hot" or "You've got the cutest smile" but you can also dig deeper and let him know what you really like about him. Say something unique that shows him you pay attention to what he does. This, dating coach John Keegan says, will help him feel "respected and adored and listened to." [1] Don't ever take your love for granted and assume that your man knows exactly how you feel about him. He should always know that you love and appreciate him for who he is. [2] Try something like:
    • "You're so good at making me feel better when I've had a bad day."
    • "It's amazing that you're so dedicated to running when you're so busy with work. I wish I could get motivated like that!"
    • "You know that you can make almost anyone on the planet laugh, don't you?"
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2

Write him a love note.

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  1. Before writing your love note , think of all the reasons that you love your man. Pick specific things to include, like the way he surprises you with your favorite takeout or always knows how to cheer you up when you've had a bad day. Write out the note and stick it on his lunch or backpack before he leaves for work. Alternatively, you can leave it on his desk at home or somewhere where he'll find it. [3]
    • Address him in the note by name or a romantic pet name you call each other, like love or darling.
3

Surprise him to show you're thinking of him.

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  1. Cook his favorite meal when he's out of the house and have it ready by the time he returns. Grab his favorite candy at the checkout line and surprise him with it when you get home. You can even surprise him with a night out on the town by making a reservation at his favorite restaurant.
    • Surprise him even when there's no special occasion. This will really make him feel special.
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4

Show your love according to his love language.

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  1. Keegan suggests using the five love languages to help you love your man in the way he needs most and make him "feel great." [4] These include words of affirmation, acts of service, gifts , quality time , and physical touch . Talk to your partner about how he likes to express and receive love, or try out different ways to show your love and see how he responds (or ask him to take our "What's My Love Language?" quiz ). [5]
    • If your partner's love language is words of affirmation, make it a habit to tell him what you love about him often.
    • As an act of service, try doing something to make your partner's busy day a little easier. Do the dishes or offer to clean up the apartment while he gets some rest.
    • Gifts can be big or small, from flowers to a brand new sweater.
    • Quality time can be as simple as making one-on-one plans together. Even if you're super busy, spend time together intentionally by scheduling a date night.
5

Build him up when he needs it.

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  1. He may be upset about a professional setback or a conflict with his friends and family. Step in to be his cheerleader and boost his ego to make him feel good about himself again. Tell him that he can accomplish whatever he wants to accomplish or that the setback he had can be easily overcome. He may not ask you to make him feel better, but try to recognize when he really needs your support. [6]
    • Say something like, "I know you may be disappointed because someone else got the promotion, but I know you can get through this. You're so talented and strong!"
    • If he's unsure about achieving a future goal, try, "Don't ever doubt yourself. I know you'll be amazing at anything you put your mind to doing."
    • Reader Poll: We asked 1019 wikiHow readers about the best ways to comfort a man who is stressed or upset, and only 6% of them said making him his favorite food . [Take Poll] Instead, listening to him or offering your support might be more helpful.
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6

Treat him with respect.

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  1. Value his perspective, even if it differs from your own sometimes. Thank him when he goes out of his way to help you. Speak fondly of him in groups and avoid talking behind his back or making fun of him. Respecting your partner is a huge part of truly loving them. [7]
    • Treat him like you would want to be treated. It's important to remember that men are sensitive and have deep feelings, too, and you don't ever want to invalidate your man's experience.
7

Listen to him.

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  1. If he's talking to you, Keegan says, "[don't] be distracted by your phone or extraneous things going on." [8] Instead, pay attention and hear him out, especially if he doesn't open up to you as often as you'd like. Once he's said his part, you'll have a sense of what he wants—either some advice or just a sympathetic ear.
    • Listening is a skill that can be developed. Work on latching on to the details of what he says and mentioning them later. He'll be impressed by how much you care.
    • According to Keegan, you don't have to agree or go along with everything your man says. But you should still "listen to [them]" and "let [them] be themselves." [9]
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8

Accept him for who he is.

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  1. Sure, you and your man can make each other better people in the long run, but you still have to be true to who you are. If you really love your man, then accept him for his true self. You can certainly help him improve a few qualities, but on the whole, you should love him for who he is, not who you hope he will be.
    • If you're trying to change him, he'll catch on to it fast. It may make him feel hurt or like he's not good enough for you.
9

Show your gratitude.

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  1. Don't just assume that he knows you're grateful for it because you've stuck around so long. Take the time to let him know how much you love being with him, and thank him for everything that he does for you. This will make him see that you really do love him and appreciate the time you spend together. [10] Here are some things you can say:
    • "I just feel so lucky to have found someone as special as you. I can't imagine how hard it is for all of my single friends to try to find someone half as amazing as you are…"
    • "I can't believe I found you. We're both so lucky to have each other, aren't we?"
    • "No matter how bad my day at work is, I'm always comforted by the fact that I have you in my life. At the end of the day, I'm just thankful to have someone like you by my side."
    • Of course, he should also show his gratitude towards you.
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10

Encourage him to be independent.

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  1. In fact, a healthy relationship requires giving your partner some time to do their own thing. If he likes reading in his study or working on his carpentry skills in the garage, don't hover around him asking what he's up to. If he hasn't been keeping up with his hobbies lately, encourage him to get back into what makes him happy. Your respect and encouragement of his independence is a super loving act. [11]
    • It's important to spend time together, but you shouldn't make him feel guilty if he needs some alone time. Try not to take it personally.
    • Make sure to keep up with your hobbies, too! It's important that you both maintain your independence and a life outside of your relationship.
    • At the same time, try to learn more about his interests so you can talk to him about them. As dating and relationship coach Michelle Jacoby says, "Being in a relationship is an opportunity to grow as a person. You're going to learn things from your partner, and you're going to be exposed to things via your partner that you might not have otherwise been exposed to." [12]
    Esther Perel, Psychotherapist

    Shared experience and individuality are both important in a healthy relationship. "Love rests on two pillars: surrender and autonomy. Our need for togetherness exists alongside our need for separateness."

11

Be happy for him when he hangs out with his friends.

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  1. Every once in a while, people just need to unwind with their buddies. There's nothing wrong with that, just like there's nothing wrong with the fact that you want time with your friends. The next time he makes plans with his buddies, don't be suspicious. If you're cool with letting him hang out with his friends sometimes, then he'll appreciate you even more when he comes back to you. [13]
    • Avoid calling him a million times while he's out or resenting him for spending time away from you.
    • Obviously, this doesn't mean he should go hang out without you every chance he gets. If this is the case, then you can talk with him about that.
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12

Address conflict respectfully.

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  1. Work through disagreements honestly and directly. If he's doing something that upsets you, pick a time when you're both available to talk and respectfully bring it up. Use I-statements to communicate your point of view without placing blame. This will help him hear your perspective without getting defensive. If he comes to you with something that's bothering him, really listen to his perspective before defending yourself or excusing your behavior. [14]
    • No one is perfect when it comes to relationships. If you make a mistake, own up to it and apologize. He'll appreciate your honesty and will feel like you respect him more for it. [15]
    • If things get heated, take a break from the conversation so you can both cool off. Wait until you both can work through the conflict from a calm, compassionate place. [16]
    • Don't expect him to read your mind. It's best to address your feelings directly. He may be happy to change something he's been doing or accommodate your feelings, but he won't know how to do that unless you tell him how you feel.
    • Keegan says that "a lot of fights happen when you don't listen to each other." So make a genuine effort to hear and understand his perspective. Then, try to resolve your differences in a way that leads to "healing or moving forward" instead of getting stuck and building up resentment. [17]
13

Wow him with your confidence.

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  1. [18] This will make him appreciate you more and feel like your relationship is good for both of you, not like he has to spend all of his time building you up. Work on loving yourself, your body, what you do, and who you surround yourself with, and all of your relationships will benefit from this. The sooner you can accept who you are and build your self-confidence , the better you and everyone in your orbit will feel. [19]
    • Show him that you don't need him to feel good about yourself. You should be happy pursuing your own hobbies, hanging out with your friends, and having a great time without him.
    • Nobody's perfect. It's important that you're aware of your flaws so that you can address them, but you can still love yourself at the same time.
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14

Be physically affectionate.

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  1. Whether you're putting your hand on his arm or kissing him on the cheek, it's important to touch your man every single day to develop your bond. Even if you've come home from work feeling tired, just a little bit of physical affection will make you feel more connected. Try cuddling in the morning or just playfully touching each other as much as you can. This will definitely show him that you love him. [20]
    • Maybe your guy isn't into super PDA. You can still give him a brief kiss on the cheek or cuddle once you get home.
15

Make time for sexy time.

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  1. Make time for some fun in the bedroom (when you're in the mood, of course). It's easy to put off sex because you're tired or have too much work to do, but making time for sex at least once or twice a week will make both of you feel more intimate with each other. It also makes you happier! Don't just do it for him, do it for yourself, too. It'll bring you both closer. [21]
    • A lot of couples who have been together for a while get into the same boring lovemaking routine. Try spicing things up and having sex at a new time or a new place, whenever you feel like it.
    • Sex is especially important to a lot of men, says licensed relationship therapist Alysha Jeney, MA, LMFT. It's "a place in which they feel desired and they feel validated as a person." She suggests having a conversation to help you understand your man's wants and needs in the bedroom, and then "feel open minded about allowing yourself the space to be sexual with them." [22]
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16

Keep the spark alive.

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  1. no matter how long you've dated. Wear something nice on your date nights. Write him romantic notes before you leave for work. Send him cute text messages . Buy him a small gift just because you're thinking of him. If you really want to love your man, you always have to work for it (and he's got to work for it, too).
    • Though you don't have to play too hard to get if you're really happy together, never get complacent in your relationship. Always keep things exciting, new, and special.

Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do you show a man you love him completely?
    Cherlyn Chong
    Relationship Coach
    Cherlyn Chong is a breakup recovery and dating coach. With 6 years of experience, she specializes in working with high-achieving professional women who want to get over their exes and find love again. She has experience as an official coach for The League dating app, and has been featured on AskMen, Business Insider, Reuters and HuffPost.
    Cherlyn Chong
    Relationship Coach
    Expert Answer
    If you really want to love a man, then you have to be able to tell when he really wants to be left alone. Leaving him alone when he just wants some peace is a way to show him your real love.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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    Not Helpful 11 Helpful 34
  • Question
    How do I win a man's heart?
    Allen Wagner, MFT, MA
    Marriage & Family Therapist
    Allen Wagner is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Los Angeles, California. After working as a therapist at the Children’s Bureau and Penny Lane Centers, he opened his own practice in 2008. Allen works with both individuals and couples and has 20 years of experience as a therapist. Allen specializes in helping clients improve their relationships, assisting people in managing life transitions, improving communication in all environments, and identifying realistic and positive goals. Alongside his wife Talia Wagner, he authored the book "Married Roommates". He received an MA in Psychology from Pepperdine University and a BA in Film and Creative Writing from the University of Arizona.
    Allen Wagner, MFT, MA
    Marriage & Family Therapist
    Expert Answer
    Let him know when you're thinking about him. Even if you just see something that reminds you of him, shoot him a quick message.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 9 Helpful 36
  • Question
    How can I avoid being clingy?
    Cherlyn Chong
    Relationship Coach
    Cherlyn Chong is a breakup recovery and dating coach. With 6 years of experience, she specializes in working with high-achieving professional women who want to get over their exes and find love again. She has experience as an official coach for The League dating app, and has been featured on AskMen, Business Insider, Reuters and HuffPost.
    Cherlyn Chong
    Relationship Coach
    Expert Answer
    You need to pinpoint the exact reason why you think you may be clinging to your partner. For example, some people are very clingy to their partners because they don't want them to leave, and they think that they are going to leave all the time. Other people may be clingy because they need to feel loved by their partner constantly. Regardless, the solution will be to engage in self-work that can help you find the reason you may feel this way. The answer is often deep inside, so working with a therapist or counselor can help.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      References

      1. ↑ John Keegan. Dating Coach. Expert Interview. 28 September 2021.
      2. ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/how-to-give-a-powerful-compliment
      3. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/relationships/a34990117/how-to-write-a-love-letter/
      4. ↑ John Keegan. Dating Coach. Expert Interview. 28 September 2021.
      5. ↑ https://ideas.ted.com/whats-your-favorite-persons-love-language-heres-how-to-tell-and-how-to-use-it/
      6. ↑ https://hbr.org/2018/08/how-to-help-your-spouse-cope-with-work-stress
      7. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/friendship-20/201812/what-does-a-healthy-relationship-look-like
      8. ↑ John Keegan. Dating Coach. Expert Interview. 10 June 2021.
      9. ↑ John Keegan. Dating Coach. Expert Interview. 28 September 2021.
      1. ↑ Allen Wagner, MFT, MA. Marriage & Family Therapist. Expert Interview. 6 March 2019.
      2. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/friendship-20/201812/what-does-a-healthy-relationship-look-like
      3. ↑ Michelle Jacoby. Matchmaker & Dating Coach. Expert Interview. 7 September 2021.
      4. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/friendship-20/201812/what-does-a-healthy-relationship-look-like
      5. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/relationships-communication/relationship-help.htm
      6. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/friendship-20/201906/how-apologize-8-tips-keep-in-mind
      7. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/relationships-communication/relationship-help.htm
      8. ↑ John Keegan. Dating Coach. Expert Interview. 28 September 2021.
      9. ↑ Cherlyn Chong. Relationship Coach. Expert Interview. 21 June 2019.
      10. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/fulfillment-at-any-age/201206/the-12-ties-that-bind-long-term-relationships
      11. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/meet-catch-and-keep/201405/6-sure-signs-healthy-relationship
      12. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/fulfillment-at-any-age/201206/the-12-ties-that-bind-long-term-relationships
      13. ↑ Alysha Jeney, MA, LMFT. Licensed Relationship Therapist. Expert Interview. 11 August 2021.

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To love a man, start by making him feel special through affection. One way to show your affection is by offering genuine compliments to let him know you love and appreciate him just the way he is. You could also tell him how grateful you are to have him with a statement like, “I feel so lucky to have found you!” Additionally, show your support by asking him how his day went and really listening to his answer, or talking him up when he needs a boost of confidence by telling him you believe in him and his ability to reach his goals. For more tips on how to love a man, like why you should have personal conversations in private, read on!

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