Nurturing a man in a relationship can greatly improve the bond between partners. It involves giving attention and care, building trust, cultivating emotional intimacy, and offering affection.
Men also thrive on encouragement, so make sure to praise him and his achievements, even the small ones. He will appreciate it more than you know!
- Be a good listener
In order for a man to feel nurtured by his partner, he needs to be heard. Whether in person, on Zoom or over text, it is important that your partner feels he can open up to you and know that you will listen and validate his feelings.
This means eliminating distractions (turn off the TV, don’t pick up your phone, etc), making eye contact and smiling to encourage him to continue talking and using non-verbal cues to show your involvement. It also helps to paraphrase what they have just said to make sure you’ve understood correctly and avoid misunderstandings.
This is also an opportunity for you to help him navigate the difficult emotions of his life. If he is able to cry in front of you, then this shows that he trusts you and can let his guard down with you. This is key for the intimacy and closeness that you both desire in your relationship.
- Be a supportive partner
A man in a relationship wants to feel supported by his partner. It can be a major source of satisfaction to know that your significant other is there for you, no matter what. It can also be a sign of a deep emotional connection. Being supportive can include things like hugs, cuddles, and holding hands. It can also include small gestures, such as picking up their favorite wine on your way home or making a special dinner that they love.
Often, being supportive simply involves telling your significant other that you believe in them and that they have a good future ahead of them. This can be especially comforting if they are feeling overwhelmed or anxious.
Taking a supporting role can also mean helping them overcome any obstacles that may be standing in their way, whether it’s personal or professional. This can be a good opportunity to show that you are truly a team, working together to solve problems and make progress.
- Allow him to be vulnerable
Vulnerability is a key ingredient to deep and meaningful relationships. It involves sharing our emotions and feelings with others in a safe space. It is often scary to open up and share our vulnerable thoughts, but it can be an amazing experience when done properly. However, it is important to note that vulnerability does not necessarily mean being needy or clingy. It simply means letting people know what is really going on in your life, including past traumas and secrets.
Many men are hesitant to be vulnerable because they were told as kids that boys don’t cry or show emotions. However, research has shown that guys are just as emotional as women. They just need to learn how to express their emotions in a healthy way.
If you are able to create a safe space for him to be vulnerable, he will feel more comfortable sharing his feelings with you. This will lead to more authentic and genuine conversations, allowing both of you to get to know each other better.
- Be there for him
While men love to be physically affectionate, they also need non-sexual expressions of love and attention. Even simple things like touching his hair, neck or cheek lovingly reassures him that you are there for him emotionally as well. If he’s had a hard day at work, call him when you get home or drop him a note letting him know how much you love and appreciate him.
If he needs to be alone, let him but make sure you check in with him daily so that he knows you are thinking about him. If you have a disagreement, wait for a good time to talk about it and be open and honest with each other.
If he’s feeling overwhelmed, remind him that you believe in his abilities and skills and don’t question them. This will trigger his hero instinct. James Bauer explains some great things you can say or text your man to do this in his free video.How to nurture a man in a relationship
