Relationship Advice Men Can Count On

I am a happy man so I feel comfortable giving relationship advice men can count on.  Men experience significant changes in life on the road to greater relationships, responsibility, and maturity. We learn that powerful emotions exist beyond the bedroom. With hearts like ancient warriors, men drunk on bravado and independence had yet to earn their sensitive stripes. Men know power, prestige, and authority - not tenderness, compassion, and "humble pie".  As we get older, the things that bring tears to our eyes become the ones that help us grow.

A Word on Commitment

Commitment means more than "showing up" for a relationship. It means being there when it matters most, when times are tough and your partner needs a reassuring hug or a kind word of encouragement. It means building bridges to a greater sense of security, counting on that person to be around for more than just physical affection. This is where lovers become friends, the opposite of what we might expect. Do not discount the power of simple conversation to make people feel more connected, more secure, more in tune with you.

Personal Space

Personal space is a huge issue for people in relationships. As a man, you will want yours, so you need to respect that she also needs hers. Your partner may have friends and family she has relied on for emotional support, relationship advice, and companionship.  These are people she has known for years. They are a part of who she is, and a mutual respect of this social breathing room will cement a sense of appreciation between you. Respect not only her, but also the people, places, and things that make her who she is.

Interests and Hobbies

Interests and hobbies play a part in successful relationships. The two of you may not have many, but they can be very different from each other.  For example, your idea of relaxing may be to watch the game on TV, while her idea of a relaxing time is taking the dog on a nature walk.  You may like loud music, while she prefers a quiet evening with a good book.  She may be the kind of person who likes the arts, while you could care less about musicals and plays. You need to recognize that both of your interests and hobbies are important.  In a successful relationship, you must learn the art of dancing through conflict and compromise, not fighting through it.  You must find common ground and learn to appreciate something about the things you are not really into. The benefits of having a happy significant other are worth trying something different.  You may find that you like it.

Final Word

In a nutshell, this is relationship advice men can count on:

Be patient. with yourself and with her. Love and happiness is like a gravel road - the more you tread its surface, the smoother it becomes.

Look for signals . Pay attention to visual clues, body language, not what she says, but how she says it. You will soon gain an intuition as to how she is feeling, and what you can do to either turn it around or let it shine like the sun.

Learn to let go.  Do not smother her or try to force your way as the only way. Growing into each other is the slow and steady course to staying together.

Money is not everything.   Money is just the most common point of contention in a relationship... Where it comes from, where it goes, why is there not enough.  Despite the rumor, money cannot fix relationships so do not expect it to.

Little things mean a lot.  It does not have to be a diamond ring.  A card, a flower, a kiss, a bit of free verse, a special trip on the way home.  If you are creative, you can bring her closer than ever before.

Monte Jamison, Founder
PickMySpouse
CommonSenseNation

© 2009