Articles & Advice

Print Article It's been the subject of movies, books and countless conversations: What do women really want? Specifically, what do women want from a mate? We know, guys, that it can seem impossible to guess what women are looking for, but it's really not that complicated.

1. Women Want You to Listen Up
In general, women complain that men don't listen to them. In your defense, you listened to her the first time as well as the 21st time she aired her concern, but she continues to mull it over and discuss some possibilities. She carries on about her overbearing and unfair boss, so you suggest quitting her job.

Guys, admit it: A lot of you are "fixers." You listen to a problem for three minutes before you offer up a suggestion. Why? You want your girlfriend, wife or friend to be happy, so you provide a solution to the problem.

It may seem contradictory, but women don't necessarily want an answer or a solution. They actually want you to act as their sounding board. Instead, listen patiently and let her work through it, offering advice when prompted.

2. Women Want to Be Taken Seriously
The fact that women want to be taken seriously is closely linked to point #1. Not only do women want to be listened to, they want their problems, thoughts and feelings to be taken seriously.

Before you dismiss the idea, consider the fact that maybe your girl does know how to rewire the bathroom or how to organize your investments. Who says that sound advice can't come in a sweet-smelling package? Defer to her opinions and give her ideas a whirl sometime. You just may find that her second opinion is seriously prudent.

3. Women Want to Be Considered When You're Making Plans
Amid the poker games, guys' nights out and work, women want to be considered when you're making plans. (Wouldn't you?) Women don't necessarily need to be THE priority - they just don't want to be an afterthought.

Whether you are a workaholic, gamer, sportsman or couch potato, let your sweetheart in on the action. Sometimes it's easy to let everything else get in the way, but if you make her feel important and needed, she will make you and your needs just as significant as you make her.

4. Women Want to Be Adored
Women love to feel adored. Honored as the most beautiful gal in the room, she wants you to positively love what she is all about. So maybe there are smarter, more attractive or more successful women out there, but to you, she is the bee's knees. Your esteemed ladylove wants to feel that you are fortunate to have her, that you can't keep from beaming when you see her or even that she makes your life better for being in it. Feeling your devotion will only encourage her to reciprocate and feel lucky herself for garnering such a good man.

5. Women Want Acknowledgment and Appreciation
Women want you to acknowledge the things they do for you. They want more than just a pat on the back: They want to be appreciated for their efforts. No matter what her role in your life, whether it's making plans, fixing up the house or booking dream vacations, she wants you to be happy.

Try to meet her halfway with proactive measures or at least offer some sort of recognition or acknowledgment. A little goes a long way with your female counterpart, so take notice and compliment her on her attention to detail.

Next: Marriage: Different Needs for Men and Women?