Men are often portrayed as these tough, unemotional beings, but the truth is that all humans – men and women – have emotional needs that must be met. Most of these needs have to be taken on by a dedicated partner, making women indispensable to most men. In today’s post, I’m diving into the 11 emotional needs of men that make them addicted to a woman.
1. They need respect.
Men need to feel a sense of respect in their daily life. This affirms that they can make their own decisions and that they have autonomy in the things they think, say, and do. Women can give respect by hearing a man out even if they disagree with him. Courteous language and kind words are also vital.
Check out: How to earn respect from people
2. They need to feel like a provider.
While it might be old-school, most cultures have pushed the idea of the man as the provider. Nowadays, most men and women share this role, but it doesn’t make it any less important for the man. He needs to hear and see that you feel taken care of, whether that be by helpful acts, through finances, or in other ways. This gives him a sense of purpose in his day-to-day life.
3. They need to be accepted.
Everyone comes with their good and bad, and men are no different. They want to feel accepted for who they are, quirks and downfalls included. This doesn’t mean you allow them to live out bad habits or tendencies, but instead, accept that this is where they currently are and help them find a way to grow and improve as time continues.
4. They need to feel attractive.
Attraction is a huge emotional need for every man. If he has a girlfriend or partner, he needs to know that she is into him physically, mentally, and sexually. After all, if your romantic partner doesn’t find you to be attractive, they are basically just a friend. Tell your man how hot you think he is and give him a confidence boost whenever you’re around.
Check out: 12 Ways to feel and look more attractive
5. They need to feel like a protector.
Men tend to be physically stronger than women. This is why they are at the front lines of most wars, fights, and defense lines. Your man wants to know that you look to him for protection, even if you don’t have anything to be scared of. This is yet another sense of purpose for him and, if he can protect you, it also makes him feel strong and in control of his own life.
6. They need love.
Men need to feel loved just as much as women. This includes feeling affection through kissing, holding, and using physical touch throughout your day together. Don’t be afraid to show public displays of affection either, as most men will be complimented that you want to flaunt your love for him in front of others.
7. They need to feel valued.
Partners who show appreciation for each other tend to have more beneficial relationships that last longer than others. Never stop telling your man what you value about him. Pinpoint his best qualities and what made you fall in love with him in the first place. This is a great reminder that you two are still strongly connected, whether you’ve been together for 3 months or 30 years!
8. They need surprises.
The mundane routine of life can become draining, and men need some mystery and surprises to keep them excited and on their toes. Schedule a surprise trip or date night or learn a new skill in secret then show it off in front of your man. He’ll be taken aback by the surprise and feel a rush of adrenaline that he didn’t realize he needed.
Related: How to make someone feel special
9. They need support.
Men may be portrayed as tough, but they feel disappointment, sadness, and lost just as often as anyone else. Be sure your man knows you are there to support him no matter what he is going through. This includes checking in on him and asking him questions about how he’s feeling to help him sort through his emotions during challenging times.
10. They need to feel independent.
While you may want to be attached at the hip, it’s important to encourage some independent behavior in your relationship. This could include him going out for a boys’ night now and again or picking up a hobby that you don’t participate in. It could even be as simple as giving him a few hours on Sunday to do whatever he wants as you run your own errands. He wants a partner, not a mom, so give him his space too.
11. They need praise.
Hearing someone tell you how great you did on something will never get old. This reaffirms our skills and simply makes us feel good about the work we have done. Give your man a cheer when he accomplishes something, takes on a new challenge, or simply gets through a difficult day. These little moments of encouragement add up to a lot of emotional strength and support.
Conclusion:
Now that you’ve run through these emotional needs, do you think you could help a special man in your own life with any of them? On the flip side, if you’re single, you now know some key factors that men are looking for in women. So there you have it 11 emotional needs of men that make them addicted to women.