You know that feeling you get when you dress in something decidedly feminine and your husband does a double-take? His response to your femininity gets the butterflies fluttering again! Well, he gets the same charge when you recognize and appreciate his masculinity, notice his sex appeal, and say something about it. That’s just one idea for how to make your husband feel like a man.
It’s true that men and women are equal, but we sometimes forget the value of playing up what makes us different. When you treat your husband like a man, and he treats you like a woman, that thing that makes your relationship so special shines. You realize how well you complement one another and how that makes your marriage and family whole. Here’s how to make your husband feel like a man—and make your marriage even better.
1. Lean into your femininity.
We’re not talking about wearing a dress, although there’s probably one in the closet that he loves to see you in. There are attributes that are feminine in nature—nurturing, receptive, intuitive, and emotionally intelligent—that your husband probably loves about you. When you embrace those attributes, he might return the action with more masculine traits like protecting, giving, and confidence.
Yes, these scream gender stereotypes, and it’s not uncommon for someone to show the other gender’s attributes. All should be encouraged, but leaning into those traits is a great way to bring out strengths in your partner.
2. Let him show up for you.
No matter what your husband’s version of strong looks like, he probably likes to feel capable around you and the kids. Ask for his help from time to time (and mean it). Tell him you’re grateful for how he steps up, and that knowing he’s got your back makes you feel secure.
3. Let him lead.
You and your husband are a team, equal partners building a life together. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t want to lead. Most men are wired with a deep desire to provide direction, solve problems, and protect the people they love. Lean into that.
If he’s the expert in the room, let him be the expert. Ask his opinion. Defer to his judgment on the things he knows best. When you honor what he brings to the table, you’re practicing exactly how to make your husband feel like a man.
4. Compliment him.
Most of us have a favorite “look” of our husbands. It might be his sharpest suit or his favorite jeans and a T-shirt (with his baseball hat turned backwards). Whatever turns your head, let him know you love it. Research shows that compliments from a wife are directly tied to a man’s confidence, especially regarding his body.
But don’t stop at the outfit. One study suggests men respond more positively to praise about who they are—their character, effort, and personal qualities—than to comments about appearance. So yes, tell him he looks great in those jeans. Then tell him why you’re proud of him too.
5. Flirt.
We hear from our men friends all the time that they want their women to want them. We tend to be pretty good at communicating that we’re attracted when we’re dating or newly married—and then we forget how to flirt! It’s the gaze across the room, the pat on the butt, the side smile when he catches you looking at him. Nothing in the world will make your husband feel more like a man than knowing you still want him. Period. Check out these 15 Ways to Romance Your Husband for some inspiration!
6. Teach your kids to admire him.
A husband who hears his wife brag on him to the kids stands a little taller (and so does the marriage). So point out to your children that Dad has traits that you really appreciate, and they should too! It can be as simple as saying, “Did you notice how Dad handled that?” or “Wasn’t it cool how Dad figured that out?” Building him up in front of your kids creates a culture of honor in your home that everyone feels.
What’s one thing you do that you know makes your husband feel like a man?
