Things Men Do That Actually Impress Women—According To Women

Men keep complaining that they don’t understand what women want. In reality, women really are not asking for much. But since men aren’t going to bother actually asking, some women took to Reddit to share the things that men have done that actually impressed them. You’ll see that it’s actually not that hard to impress a woman!

Surviving On Their Own At Parties

“My wife always talks about how great it is that I don’t just kind of shadow her at parties, but go have my own conversations and meet new people while still checking in every once in awhile.” —[deleted]

How great it is for a man to be their own independent social person and not rely on their woman to baby them.

Sharing Common Interests

“Watching a guy get excited when they learn that we have the same interest in something they really like.” —CheeseCakeTyra

What is really attractive about this is that rather than trying to one-up you or compete with you, they use the common ground as a chance to bond.

Caring For Something Other Than Himself

“It really resonates with me when he has a plant that he can not smoke and is not dead.” —Otter_with_a_helmet

We’re not saying they have to have animals or children, but even taking care of a plant shows that they might be able to take care of us.

“Cooking” —ultratic

Plain and simple. It’s not about the act of cooking, but the fact that someone else is making you a meal. If they know how to mix up the spices to add flavor to your meal, maybe they could add some spice to your life too.

The way to a woman’s heart is the same as a man’s—it’s through their stomach. Keep her fed and she’s happy.

Making Her Smile (It’s Not That Hard)

“My mom’s only advice about women to me when I was a teen was ‘always find out what makes the woman you like smile.’ Now, as a 40-year-old man, that advice has not wavered.

“If you have a woman that enjoys a simple hug and a kiss, that will make her smile. So what better way to impress a woman than to get to know her and find out what makes her smile.” —locotxwork

Maybe moms do always know best!

“Let Them Finish Their Stories” —neverquit1979

This one’s really not that hard. If a woman is excited about what she’s telling you and cares enough to choose you as the person she wants to share it with, don’t kill her vibe just because it varies from your usual topics of interest.

Actually Doing What They Promise To

“When we were dating, my wife was impressed that I would always call when I said I would call. I generally do the things I say I am going to do.” —ITworksGuys

Words mean nothing if they’re not backed up by actions. Our expectations of you following through tend to be quite low these days, so prove us wrong!

“Smelling Nice!”

“It shows they care, and also they smell nice.” —jkgatsby

Just remember there’s a balance to this as well. There’s nothing attractive about a man who just finished spraying an entire bottle of Axe deodorant and we can’t breathe through it.

Showing That They Actually Do Listen

“Remember something I said in passing. It never ceases to amaze me and make me feel all giddy inside when a guy shows they were genuinely listening.” —Jimjamjelly

Who doesn’t want to feel heard and like what they say actually matters? If we want to talk to a wall, there’s a nice one right inside of our apartment with paintings on it.

Living In A Civilized Space

“Having a house or apartment they independently maintain and keep clean.” —magicliterati

You don’t have to have the best style and most luxurious furniture. We’re only asking for basic tidiness and proof of being a civilized man who doesn’t subsist exclusively on pizza and who doesn’t have a pile of rotting dishes.

Apologize, Forgive, And Forget

“Apologize when they’ve made mistakes. Accept apologies when we’ve made mistakes.” —totosmaster

We’re human. We’re not going to hold it against you when you make a mistake as long you actually take accountability for it. And we want you to do the same for us.

Lending A Hand To Others

“The first snowstorm I still kinda-sorta on the fence about a new man I was dating. We pulled into his driveway and noticed a little old lady trying to fix her wiper that had broken off. Without batting an eye, he gets out, walks over, fixes it, and comes back. Sealed the deal.” —mermaidhare

We want to see that you’re kind to your core, and not just putting up a front for us to fall for.

Genuinely Wanting To Get To Know Them Better

“Take an interest in them and try to learn more about their areas of interest. Too often, people try to impress others with the brag-a-thon method, but in reality, it’s much better to make others feel like they are interesting, too.” —KnuckledeepinUrethra

We don’t mind if you brag a little—we want to know what you’re passionate about—but give us that same courtesy.

C.O.M.M.U.N.I.C.A.T.I.O.N.

“Communication. If you don’t want to go out or do something, just let me know. If you don’t like something, just tell me. I won’t judge you, I won’t get mad, but I can’t read your mind.”

Some men literally need this spelled out for them. Get over it and talk about your feelings.

Wanting To Grow

“Personally, staying curious, loving to learn and having an open mind.” —forjustonemoment

We want to see your ambition so that we can support you to reach your goals and build a life with you. It’s good to be content with what you have, but it’s even better to constantly be open to growth and learning.

Knowing How To Fix Stuff

“My fiancé just put in lighting on our back patio, has installed 7 outlets in our new house, and a lot of non-electrical things too. It is so hot when he does manly things like fixing stuff.” —Jaci_D

It’s okay if you don’t know how to do it all, but the fact that you’re willing to try is attractive.

Listening, Not Solving

“When your significant other comes to you with a problem, LISTEN. Do not try to solve their problem as 9 times out of 10 they want someone to listen not to fix.” —Black-Throated-Wind

We don’t want to feel like your broken project. Sometimes, a woman’s just gotta vent and feel supported.

Asking Instead Of Assuming

“Ask questions—this is so simple, but so often overlooked. Especially on the first few dates—for every question you answer, make sure you ask one.” —[deleted]

This has so many benefits. Not only will it prevent you from making false assumptions and acting on them, but it’ll also make us feel like you genuinely find us important and care about who we are.

Helping With All Chores

“At a group gathering he will pick up or help with the dishes without being asked. I have been at so many group things where the girls just start doing the clean-up nonchalantly and the guys will hang. ” —JaneaneGar_awful_o

It’s 2020, there are no more chores that are just for women. Just show us that you’ll always be there to do your part.

Making Them Laugh

“I’m a very average-looking person, my hair’s not great, I have no muscle, and my girlfriend is objectively a very beautiful girl.

“She said that my being nice got her to go out with me, but me being able to make her laugh consistently is what made her fall in love.” —fieds69

See! Nice guys don’t always finish last! They just gotta tell a good joke every once in a while.