I remember asking on Facebook if men felt butterflies in their tummy the way women do.
And every guy who replied to me said yes.
Now, before you come for me, I didn’t ask because I thought men were robots who were devoid of emotions.
I was asking because I wanted to debunk the stereotype that makes it look like men do not experience feelings the same way we do.
They do.
So, just like you, there are certain things that you do that fill their love tanks – certain small daily acts that make men feel loved
And I say small because love doesn’t have to be loud to count.
Yes, the big gifts and big gestures matter too and should come occasionally.
But daily and regularly, it is more about how you make them feel in the most mundane things.
Trust me, “it’s about the little things” is not a cliche; it is actually true.
So if you always wondered about the small daily acts that make men feel loved, because you want to always put a smile on your man’s face, read this.
21 Small Daily Acts That Make Men Feel Loved
1. Compliment him sincerely
Men rarely hear genuine praise because, for some reason, we just overlook it or we believe they don’t need it.
That’s why when it comes, it touches them in a way you cannot begin to understand.
However, the catch is that you have to be specific if you want it to really land.
I mean, of course, there’s nothing wrong with a generic “you look nice,” once in a while.
But if you want to really touch him, you have to be more specific.
Tell him exactly what you like so it is clear you know what you are complimenting and not just saying it to say it.
For instance, instead of the above, you could say something like, “That shirt makes you look sharp,” or “I love this haircut on you, you look handsome.”
These examples are direct and more specific.
And when said casually and sincerely, you will see how the joy from receiving it will light him up.
2. Respect him in public and in private
Men are really big on respect, and while, truly, both parties should be respected, it’s a big thing for men.
That’s why a good way to show him love is to respect him.
In fact, I heard a relationship coach once say that, for men, love is respect.
A man will likely not believe you love him if you don’t respect him.
So, make sure you treat him honorably in private and in public.
Even when you disagree, do it without belittling him.
Basically, carry him the way you would someone you have high regard for, and that would communicate to him how you feel about him.
3. Initiate physical affection
A lot of women have nothing against affection; the only problem is that many of them wait for their husbands to initiate it.
But the thing is, your man wants to feel desired, too.
So, don’t always wait for him to start it.
Sometimes, reach for his hand first, hug him from behind while he is washing plates, sit close and lean into him during a movie, and definitely initiate sex too.
It will make him feel wanted and loved, and not feel like you’re just tolerating him.
4. Say “thank you” for the little things
Another thing that makes men feel loved is when they’re appreciated.
If you married a good man with enough goodwill, he’s probably doing a lot to make sure you and the children are fine; the least you can do is appreciate him for all he does.
And honestly, it costs nothing to say, “thank you” every time he does something.
I know you feel he is just doing his job, but that’s not a good way to look at things.
I’m sure you want to be appreciated for all you do, too.
All I’m asking is that you do the same thing you’d like.
5. Perform a small chore he usually handles
While this might not be daily, but once in a while, try to perform a small chore he usually handles.
For example, if he is the one who always takes out the trash or fuels the car, do it one day without announcing it like you deserve a medal.
Just handle it quietly.
And when he notices, shrugs and says, “I figured you could use a break.”
That will show him that you’re paying attention to him and what he does around the house.
6. Send a “thinking of you” text during the day
Check your text messages to him during the day; when was the last time you sent a text just because?
If all your messages are to ask for money or to remind him of a task, it’s time to change tactics.
Send him a simple, “Hope your meeting goes well,” “I miss your face”, or “I can’t wait for you to get home.”
Imagine that kind of text intercepting his busy schedule and putting a smile on his face.
That’s why it makes him feel so loved and cared for.
7. Give him your undivided attention when he speaks
Put the phone down when you are spending time together or when he’s talking to you.
Let him know he has your attention.
Even if he is talking about something you do not fully understand, ask one or two follow-up questions.
And contribute what you can.
Those are the kind of things that make a man enjoy your company and always look forward to it.
8. Pray for him and let him know
If you are a praying woman, this one is powerful.
There are many things to pray about for your husband.
Pray for his mind, his work, and his struggles.
You can even pray concerning the growth you want to see in his life.
Then tell him casually, “I prayed for you this morning.”
Trust me, men love it so much, even those who may not be as religious as you are.
9. Cook or prepare his favorite meal occasionally
I mean, they do say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, so why not?
Now, before you think I’m telling you to make something elaborate, it does not have to be fancy, just something you know he will like.
For instance, if he loves a particular soup or snack, make it on an ordinary day to surprise him.
Don’t wait for special days to bless him with his favorite meal.
10. Bring him his favorite snack or drink without him asking
In the same vein, you could also pick up that drink he always orders.
Or hand him his favorite biscuit while he is watching a match.
Just the fact that it’s something he likes makes him happy, because more than the gift, it shows him you’re paying attention.
11. Speak well of him to others
Let him overhear you say something kind about him.
And let people get back to him to tell him you always speak highly of him.
That’s a way of pouring strength into him.
Your husband shouldn’t be finding out that you’re spoiling him outside.
That’s unfair.
I’m not asking you to lie or exaggerate, but if he’s a good man, I’m sure you can find something sincerely nice to say about him.
12. Give him space when he needs it
Sometimes, when he is quiet, don’t conclude he’s angry; he may just be processing things.
Instead of pushing for information before he’s ready, you could tell him you are here when he’s ready and let him get back to you then.
Honestly, this is why you need to know your man, so you know when he needs room to recharge and when he needs you around.
And when in doubt, you can ask kindly without accusing him.
13. Support his goals, even the small ones
If he says he wants to start something, don’t just laugh it off; ask how you can help.
And check in gently regularly to let him know you’re there if he needs any support.
Sometimes, he may just need you to be a sounding board; put all aside to listen to him.
14. Notice when he is stressed and check in
You can usually tell when your man is stressed, except you don’t know your man, which would be tragic.
Your only excuse is if your relationship is new.
If not, you should recognize when he’s stressed and offer comfort.
You don’t even have to try to solve his problem; sometimes, asking him about it and hugging him may be all he needs.
15. Apologize when you are wrong
Many times, when I watch these “who is most likely to…” videos of couples, I see that most times, men are often the ones to apologize after a fight.
That’s not good enough, ladies.
Let’s do better.
If you are wrong, admit it and apologize.
And sometimes, you should also reach out first after a fight just to keep the peace.
It shows you also care about the relationship or marriage.
16. Celebrate his wins, no matter how small
You don’t have to wait for him to win a Nobel Prize to celebrate him.
As long as there’s something to celebrate — no matter how small — be the loudest cheerleader in the room.
17. Ask for his opinion and value it
Let me tell you this for free: men love it when their woman asks them for advice or asks their opinion on things.
It makes them feel like her hero that she trusts to advise her.
Besides asking, make sure to acknowledge his opinion even if you do not follow his suggestion exactly.
18. Encourage him when he doubts himself
He may not always say it out loud, but men also battle with self-doubt.
At those weak moments, remind him of past wins and let him see that if he did it before, he can do it again.
19. Defend him respectfully when necessary
If someone speaks unfairly about him, do not join the criticism for laughs.
Correct them and represent him accurately.
Standing up for him, especially when he is not present, shows loyalty.
And loyalty is love in action.
20. Give him space for his hobbies without guilt
If he enjoys football, gaming, or working on cars, do not make him feel guilty for it.
Let him enjoy his time with his hobbies too; those are some of the things that make life more wholesome.
I’m not saying you have to love it, but allow it.
And occasionally ask about it, so he can see that he is not shamed for what he enjoys.
21. Greet him warmly when he comes home
And this one might be the simplest of all.
But it gives him something to look forward to.
Let him always feel like you couldn’t wait for him to come home.
Look up when he walks in, smile, and give him a hug.
Trust me, those first five minutes set the tone for the entire evening.