Today, we explore a question that has puzzled and intrigued mankind for centuries: What do women want in a man? While some qualities and behaviors are valued by certain individuals, others are appreciated pretty much across the board. It’s the latter that we delve into today, so buckle up and get ready to understand the complex yet simple desires of the female species.
13 things that women want in a man
So, let’s jump right in. Here are 13 things that women want in a man in the context of romantic relationships.
1. Women want to feel safe
One of the most important things that women look for in a man is the ability to feel safe and secure in his presence. It can be easy to forget, but the world can be a scary place for women, and having a partner who makes them feel protected makes all the difference. This is just as much about emotional safety as it is about physical safety, and there are several factors that feed into this. If a woman feels safe with you and trusts you, you’re already halfway there.
Many relationships, or potential relationships, end because women don’t feel a true sense of security. If you like a woman, ensuring she feels a strong sense of safety and security with you is 100% necessary rather than a nice-to-have. If a woman doesn’t feel safe with you, she won’t be able to open up, and the connection will struggle. Reliability and consistency are key to establishing a sense of security, and we will look at this later on in the article.
2. Women want kindness
Kindness is one of the top traits that all genders look for in a partner. This can manifest in various ways, such as being compassionate towards others and showing empathy. From giving up your seat on public transport to helping a stranger in need, acts of kindness speak volumes about a person’s character. Women want someone who is considerate and caring, not just towards them but towards others as well.
Women may instinctively gravitate towards kind-hearted men because they perceive them as dependable and supportive partners who will treat them well. Kindness indicates that someone has a strong sense of integrity. It’s worth noting that women don’t view kindness as a weakness as long as it comes from a place of genuine care rather than a need to please others for validation.
3. Women want honesty
Trust is the foundation of any successful relationship, and it can only be built upon honesty and integrity. No one wants to be with someone who lies and keeps secrets, especially when it comes to romantic relationships. Women want a man who is honest about their feelings, intentions, and actions. It creates a sense of security that allows the relationship to flourish.
There’s a nuance here where honesty needs to be combined with compassion. Being brutally honest and insensitive can be just as damaging as keeping secrets. Women appreciate a partner who is open and truthful but also knows how to communicate in a kind and respectful manner. For example, if she asks if she looks good in a dress but you don’t think it’s her best look, there are ways to convey that without being hurtful. You could say something like, “I think this other dress brings out your natural beauty more,” rather than a blunt, “No, you don’t look good in that.”
4. Women want a sense of humor
They say that laughter is the best medicine, and in relationships, it’s certainly an ingredient for success. Women want a man who can make them laugh and share moments of joy with them. A good sense of humor not only brings fun and positivity to the relationship but also shows intelligence, creativity, and a laid-back attitude towards life.
Women don’t expect every guy they date to be a stand-up comedian, but being able to share a laugh and banter back and forth is a major turn-on. Whether it’s a few “in” jokes between the two of you or playfully pointing out her quirks, a good sense of humor keeps things light and enjoyable. Joy and laughter make women feel good, so if she associates those feelings with you, she will want to be around you more.
5. Women want ambition
Ambition is an attractive quality in both men and women. It shows that someone has a drive and passion for something beyond themselves. Women are drawn to men who have goals, dreams, and aspirations because it indicates that they have a vision for the future. It’s also a sign that a man is continuously learning, growing, and evolving as an individual.
Ambition also translates into being a go-getter and taking initiative, which can be appealing. Women want to know that their partner is actively working towards something, whether it’s a career or personal growth. It shows that they are willing to put in the effort and make things happen, which can be inspiring and motivating.
6. Women want to feel respected
Respect is a fundamental aspect of any relationship. Being respectful means valuing someone’s boundaries, opinions, and feelings. It also involves treating them as equals and not belittling or talking down to them. Women want a man who respects them and treats them with dignity.
You just can’t have a healthy relationship of any kind without mutual respect, and certainly not when it comes to romance. Women want to feel valued and appreciated for who they are, not just what they can offer or how they look. This means showing that you value her thoughts, ideas, and decisions. It also means not trying to control or manipulate her but instead supporting and trusting her choices.
7. Women want good communication
Communication is key when it comes to building connections, and women appreciate a man who can communicate effectively. This involves actively listening, expressing oneself clearly, and being open to discussing difficult topics without getting defensive or shutting down. Being able to navigate conflicts and disagreements in a healthy manner is essential.
One key aspect of communication that women value, in particular, is consistency. If you say you will call or text, make sure to follow through. If you’ve been messaging regularly, don’t suddenly go silent without explanation. Good communication builds trust and helps to cultivate that sense of safety that we discussed in the first point. It’s a way of saying, “I’m here if you need me, and I’m invested in this relationship.”
8. Women want confidence
Confidence is one of the most attractive qualities a man can have. It shows that he is comfortable in his own skin, has self-respect, and doesn’t rely on others for validation. Women want a man who knows his worth and isn’t afraid to go after what he wants. While confidence is sexy, arrogance and cockiness are a major turn-off for women, so it needs to be coming from a genuine place.
Confidence also translates into being able to make decisions with certainty. This is a turn-on for women, as it shows that a man isn’t afraid to take action and handle situations that come his way. Being confident also means being secure in yourself and your relationship, which can help to build trust and create a strong foundation.
9. Women want to feel heard
We touched on this in the point about communication, but it really deserves its own section. Women want a man who listens to them, not just hears them. Listening involves being present and actively engaged in the conversation. It means paying attention to what she is saying, asking questions, and showing interest.
Listening also involves being empathetic and understanding. When a woman opens up about something personal or vulnerable, she wants her partner to listen with kindness and compassion. This type of listening creates a strong emotional connection and shows that you care about her feelings and experiences. Men sometimes have more of a need to “fix” problems, and that’s a beautiful trait in itself. But sometimes, women just want to be heard and validated. If you’re unsure, you can always just ask. Something along the lines of, “Do you want to talk about it or do you want me to help you find a solution?” can go a long way in preventing misunderstandings.
10. Women want reliability and consistency
Women want to know that they can rely on their partner. Again, this comes back to building trust and creating a sense of safety in the relationship. Women want to know that they can count on their partner and that they will follow through on promises and commitments. This means keeping your word and showing up when you say you will.
Inconsistency can create confusion and doubt, which can lead to a breakdown of a connection. It can make a woman feel insecure and uncertain, and you can’t build a strong relationship with her if she is feeling like this. Being sporadic in your communication or actions sends the message that you aren’t invested or interested. So consistency is a key factor that women look for in a man.
11. Women want emotional stability
Emotional stability is deeply attractive in a man. This means being able to regulate your emotions and handle stress, conflicts, and challenges in a healthy manner. It also involves being emotionally mature and not lashing out or becoming defensive when things don’t go as planned.
Women want a man who can be their rock during tough times, someone they can lean on and trust. Emotional stability serves as a stable foundation for a relationship to flourish. It also goes hand-in-hand with resilience and being able to bounce back from setbacks. Women feel reassured when they feel a man can handle the ups and downs of life with grace and strength.
12. Women want competence
Women want a man who is competent in certain areas. This doesn’t mean being perfect or excelling at everything, but rather having a level of competence in areas that are important to you. It’s sexy when a man has skills or knowledge that he can share and teach others. It also shows that he is constantly striving to grow and improve himself.
Competence can come in many forms, from being handy around the house to having a knack for handling finances. It’s about having something to offer and being able to contribute. This not only adds value to a relationship but also shows that you have a sense of purpose and fulfillment outside of the relationship.
13. Women want initiative
Women appreciate a man who takes the initiative to plan dates, try new things, and make an effort in the relationship. Being proactive is about being in your masculine energy, which is attractive to women when it’s done in the right way. It shows confidence and the ability to take charge, which can be appealing.
Even the most independent, competent women appreciate a man taking the reins and showing that he has the confidence to make decisions. It also takes some of the pressure off of her planning and organizing things, which can be refreshing for a woman who is used to being in control.
Final thoughts on what women want in a man
While every woman has her unique preferences and priorities, you can count these 13 points as some of the most important things that women want in a man. It’s not about changing who you are, but rather being aware of what women value. It’s important to always be authentic to yourself and not adopt a persona to perfectly match these attributes. Authenticity resonates more than a perfectly curated façade.
But there are ways of developing certain qualities, not only for women but also for your own personal growth and fulfillment. Some come more naturally to certain individuals than others, but all can be learned with practice and awareness. Remember, the goal isn’t perfection but rather to become a well-rounded, confident, and emotionally stable man who can create a fulfilling relationship with the right woman if or when he chooses to.
