Careful What You Say
What may feel like a harmless conversation can have a profound impact on the people you care about. The last thing any partner wants to do is cause pain. That being said, most men can agree on a few things they long to hear, and the words they fear the most.
1. I’m proud of you
Every man wants to hear that you are proud of him. This simple sentence shows that you value him and his efforts are seen and recognized. Sometimes we get lost in everyday life; it is good to stop and appreciate the growth your man has accomplished.
2. You make me feel safe
Men love to hear that they make you feel safe, comforted, secure, and accepted. It is a primal need for men to want to protect, and saying it out loud reassures them that they are doing a great job.
3. I trust you
Trust is very important in a relationship. Telling someone you trust them shows that you believe they are honest and sincere in your relationship. It assures them that they act in the best interest of you and your relationship.
4. I value your opinion
Sometimes just listening to what your man has to say and letting him have an opinion without interrupting is important. You don't have to agree with his opinion, but he doesn't want to feel belittled by being dismissed as well. Mutual respect is important for a strong bond.
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5. I need you
“I need you” can sometimes be hard to say. It requires selflessness and an acceptance of someone else's importance and value beyond yourself. Saying “I need you” carries a level of responsibility and weight that every man will feel proud to hear.
6. You’re my favorite person
Being someone's favorite person is a huge accomplishment. It shows them that they are someone who can make your day just by being there. The emotional, physical, and mental support they have given you through the years has formed a bond that is hard to break easily.
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7. I love spending time with you
This is one of the best ways to express that you value spending time together and you feel loved when you're with them. It can be a way to show appreciation and affection for your man. It shows that you value the moments spent with them and appreciate the connection you share.
8. You deserve to relax
Sometimes when your man works hard at his job or around the house, it can feel overwhelming. Acknowledging that he has been working hard or dealing with a lot shows your appreciation for his hard work. It’s a way of showing care and conveying that you care for his well-being.
9. Let me cook tonight
The easiest way to a man's heart is his stomach. A small but thoughtful gesture of making food for your man can spark appreciation and grow closeness with him. Many of us have emotional connections with certain foods, and preparing a warm, homey meal for him is one of the best feelings.
10. I support your goals
When you say, "I support your goals," you show that you believe in his dreams and aspirations. It shows encouragement and respect for his ambitions. Shooting high can be a challenge, and having you by his side can make things that much easier.
Now that we have discussed the phrases a man longs to hear, here are the ten sentences he dreads the most.
1. We need to talk
The scariest sentence in the English language. No man likes to hear that you need to talk, as it usually leads to a long conversation about something they messed up.
2. You’re bad at this
Nobody likes to hear that they are bad at something. However, this can be phrased in a more constructive way. Saying something like, "I think there’s room for improvement here, and I’d be happy to help if you’d like," or “This might not be your strongest area, but I know you can get better with some practice" is a much better way of conveying your thoughts.
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3. I wish you were more successful
Tying your man’s worth to success or career achievements can be a devastating blow to his confidence. Not everyone is good at everything, and finding ways to motivate rather than bring him down is more productive in the long run.
4. I don’t trust you
Trust is a very hard thing to earn and very easy to lose. Telling a man you don’t trust him can be a devastating blow to the relationship.
5. You don’t do enough for me
Sometimes you might feel like your man isn’t meeting your expectations with his actions. It can be a hurtful thing for him to learn that his efforts are not enough.
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6. I wish you were more like…
Being compared to others and learning that you wish he were more like someone else can cut deeply. It may come across as emotional or romantic distancing or your need for him to change who he is.
7. I’m not happy
No man likes to learn that their partner is not happy with them. It tells them that they are not enough or are not doing enough to bring you joy. Men fear not being able to meet their partner's emotional needs.
8. I miss dating other people
The thought of you wanting to date other people is definitely a hard hitter for your man. Although dating can be a fun thing, it could just be a lack of spontaneity or surprises that you are feeling instead.
9. I’m not attracted to you anymore
Letting ourselves go physically can happen sometimes, especially if we start feeling comfortable in a relationship. Hearing it, though, is a different story. A more subtle way of suggesting activities together, like going to the gym or maybe hot yoga, might be a better way to go.
10. You’re too sensitive
Men are always told not to show their emotions, especially in cultures that follow more traditional roles. Sometimes they feel very comfortable and open about their emotions with you, and hearing that they are too sensitive can make them close up very fast and sometimes leave a scar.
