Only for those who deserve it: 3 sweet behaviors that make a man feel safe & loved

Photo: "Arbitrage" (2012)

When it comes to dating and relationships, most women want to fall in love with a man who makes them feel “safe.” But this doesn’t just apply to women, men want to feel safe too!

We often forget that men also need to feel secure with the women they love. They won't start a long-term relationship with someone who doesn't make them feel secure, and they shouldn't.

Three behaviors that make a man feel safe and loved:

1. Show trust and respect

The fastest way to build emotional security is to show that you trust your partner and respect their needs. Trust and respect should be mutual. If they have a few close friends, show that you trust them and respect their judgment, so they can trust you with your friends.

Jealousy or manipulation should not be part of relationships. Neither flirting with others for attention nor using suspicion to start arguments are acceptable.

2. Make sure he feels heard

Listening to your partner is essential. Active listening can be challenging when your thoughts intrude or when he can't wait to speak. But when your passion outweighs his need to feel heard, he starts to feel unappreciated.

If your partner tells you how bad their day at work was, or how annoyed they are when they don't help around the house, listen to everything. Don't immediately look for solutions or counterarguments, just focus on what they're saying.

3. Love him for who he is, not for his potential.

Many women connect with men for their potential, not for who they currently are. Classic examples:

"He's not very ambitious right now, but he's so sweet. He's going to be a great dad one day."

"He's a little unstable, but I see he has a very good heart."

This has to stop. Everyone deserves to be loved for who they are in this moment. You shouldn't love someone for what they might become one day in the future.