What’s the secret to a happy relationship?
That wasn’t rhetorical, I was really asking. And so was this person on Reddit:
What wisdom have these dudes to dispense? Let’s look at some of the gems.
1. Don’t hold hostages
Holding your relationship hostage in every argument means you’re a s**t person with no real argument.
“Oh yea? Then why are we even together.”
“If I’m so sh**ty then just leave me.”
“I guess you don’t care about our relationship then.”
– Nethervex
2. Don’t try to change people
People change for their own reasons. Don’t get into a relationship with someone hoping he will change. Unless he wants to, it won’t happen.
Remember that love is a choice, not a feeling. Someone who loves you is going to treat you in such a way that you feel loved. If you don’t feel it, and he has no interest in doing things to make you feel loved, he doesn’t love you.
He might have the hots for you, sure. That’s not love.
– DrHugh
3. When we say we’re thinking about “nothing,” we mean it
I mean sometimes we are thinking, but it’s stuff like I wonder how much beans cost in Uruguay or who would win in a fight between a Rottweiler and a python
– Bum-Sniffer
4. Don’t phone it in
when you are with your SO put the f#@%ing phone down. nothing gets to me more than having a set time to be together and her constantly checking txts, FB, Instagram… when i am with my SO my phone is on silent and stays in my pocket so i can be focused and engaged with her.
– BodhiBill
5. Give the benefit of the doubt
If we say something seemingly offensive out of nowhere, ask what we mean instead of assuming the absolute f**king worst thing that could be interpreted.
– mightsdiadem
6. Please take the compliment
If we compliment you, take the compliment and don’t say anything like,”No I’m ugly,” “No I’m fat,” were complimenting you for a reason and it’s not because “we have too.”
– CianV161
7. Shoot your shot
If you see a dude you like, go for it. I HATE the whole “only the man asks because that’s the masculine thing to do.” Nothing is hotter than a strong-a** woman who sees what she wants and takes it.
Just call me Ron Swanson because powerful women are awesome to me
– ManlyVanLee
8. Silence is golden
We enjoy a comfortable silence. Not every moment need be filled with meaningless talk.
That may not be a general thing as silences can be awkward for some.
Speaking for myself though, two people can enjoy one an others company in silence.
– [deleted user]
9. Attention is nice
Many men don’t get the attention from women that women get from men. We’re expected to give flowers, arrange a date, initiate romantic evenings, etc.
Maybe not the flowers, but how about taking him out to dinner? Or a surprise date doing something he likes? Plan a romantic evening that centers on him instead of you.
In other words, let us know you like us with more than just words.
– GodNamedBob
10. This is not a test
Men are tested enough in their lives; by family, employers, schools, other guys, and society in general.
Don’t add to this by conducting “tests” of your own.
There’s nothing worse than coming home to a “test” after a long day at work.
– goat-of-mendes
11. Don’t manipulate
It seems fairly common for women (men also guilty) of trying to worm their way into a guy’s life as a strategy to move things forward.
Most guys seem to strongly dislike this. It can be very manipulative, and can seem to indicate we’ll lose a lot of freedom if we move forward.
See also, being very entitled to his time, especially if you just want us to be present while you watch TV (bonus negative points for being on your phone while you want us around.)
The more you can keep yourself content without our effort and time, the more attractive the relationship is.
– 7788445511220011
12. Be a straight shooter
If asked a straight question, give a straight answer.
Are you hungry? Y/N
Do you want to get dinner? Y/N
What would you like to eat?
If you don’t know ask “What are my options?”
Instead of I don’t know.
If you tell him “You pick” don’t complain about his choice.
Guys the same goes for you if you give the decision you have waived your vote. Try not to pick places they hate cause you like them. Bonus points if you choose a place they love and you do not. Best bet is pick a place you both like.
– RaphaelSolo
13. Being open is tough
Don’t know if this has been said already, but most of us aren’t used to being emotionally available, so we may not open up.
When we do, it may all flood out, so if you do want your man to be emotionally open, try to make it so that it’s a manageable controlled flow rather than opening the flood gates all the way.
– q-squid
14. Be kind
If a guy opens up to you about something, never ridicule or mock his feelings.
He probably has very few people he can be vulnerable with, and getting that rejection from a romantic partner is a huge blow.
He’s showing you he trusts you. He showing you his humanity. Listen, hold him, empathize.
– teh_swimmlyBoogaloo
15. We are also watching
We have been watching the same show/movie for the same amount of time as you have.
We don’t know more than you do.
– stokeszdude
Welp, that about wraps it up.
What’s your best piece of relationship advice?
Tell us in the comments.