Let a Man Be a Man: 10 Things You Can Do By Yourself But Should Ask Your Man To Do

Let Him Complain About the Service

When ditched in line, most women have no problem tapping into their inner Tasha Mack and letting the Starbucks barista know she was next. But instead of always being the one to flag down the waiter, call customer service, or demand a refund at the arcade, let your guy try his assertive hand sometime. Being defended while you stand by and watch is not the worst thing in the world…in fact, sometimes, it’s kind of nice.

Let Him Fix Things

All men are different. Some men like to fix things that are broken and some like to buy things to replace that which was broken. Figure out what kind of man you’re dealing with and let him do his thing when it comes to taking care of you. Sure you can afford to buy a new dresser after the dresser drawer broke, but if he wants to bring over some nails and a drill to make it like new, why not let him? You can get your phone fixed, but if he wants to buy you a better phone, why protest? If a man likes to show his love by taking care of you, don’t deprive him of that. It doesn’t make you needy it just makes you receptive of his helpfulness!

Let Him Give You Advice

Why do we assume our best friends are experts at life and our significant others are idiots? We listen to our best friend tell us to date a guy, buy a dress, or excommunicate a friend, but when our guy chimes in on a dilemma we are quick to wave him off. Here’s something to try at least once: acknowledge his wisdom, thank him for his input and (gasp!) take his advice.  It doesn’t have to be life-altering advice like quitting your job or kicking somebody out of your life, but if he suggests ways to deal with a crazy co-worker, givethe advice a chance. He’ll feel appreciated because you listened to him and you’ll acquire a new perspective on a sticky situation.

Let You Cook a Meal and Serve It To Him Once in a While

We live in a generation where it’s perfectly acceptable for a woman not to cook. My husband is well aware that he didn’t marry Rachael Ray. However, when I do get in the kitchen, I am often so exhausted by cooking the simplest meal that I end up flopping on the couch and pointing to the kitchen as notification that dinner is ready. This is no way to treat a person I love! Of course my husband knows where the plates are, but sometimes it’s nice to let the man relax while I cook a meal then serve it to him on a plate with a napkin and a beverage. And afterward? He knows it’s nice to wash the dishes!

Let Him Drive His Way 

The days are over where women allow strange men to pick them up from their apartments – and for good reason. But after being together for a while, a woman can be reluctant to give up the driver’s seat. Why? Let him drive sometimes. Sure he may hold the steering wheel at 10 and 2 the entire time, or lean his seat dangerously far back, or drive super slow or make a wrong turn, but none of us are perfect drivers. Besides, he’ll appreciate the opportunity to drive around town in a nice car with a beautiful woman riding shotgun. And the fact that this nice car he’s driving is actually yours? Well that can be your little secret!

Let Him Pick the Place…And Not Complain About It 

There are few things worse than the “Where do you wanna go? I don’t know, where do you wanna go?” back and forth on an otherwise nice evening out. While women have attributed this to a man’s lack of initiative, sometimes I wonder if it’s not due to a man’s refusal to listen to his woman complain all night. Of course, if you have a strong preference, voice your opinion, but if you truly don’t care then let him choose. And when he does, don’t complain about how wack said place is. In perspective, you’re out on the town with the man you love, so what does it really matter where you go?

Let him do the dirty work

When I lived alone, I would have standoffs with a ladybug that could last for a full hour until I would muster up the courage to spray it from 30 feet away. Eventually, these standoffs would shrink down to five minutes until I got to the point where I could see a spider and kill it immediately without incident. But why kill spiders, plunge toilets, or inspect the weird noise downstairs if you have a man around to do it? Unless he is hopping on the table next to you to get away from the ant that just scurried across the floor, he would probably get a kick out of you calling him in from another room to kill a bug. It seems silly and archaic to you I’m sure, but he’ll love feeling necessary and appreciated.

Let him feel your respect and support in public

“In public” is the key phrase here. None of that arguing on social media or jabbing him below the belt in front of your friends and family. Sure you can look at him and feel like he’s the only other person in the room, but make sure he is before you criticize, contradict or even tease him. Be cognizant. A comment that may roll off his back in the privacy of your home can be humiliating to him when in front of others. You’re a team, so, if possible, be on his side at all times. Brag on him. Openly compliment him in front of others. Save your bickering for the privacy of your car ride home.

Let him be kind to you and you be kind to him.

My mother-in-law once said, “You should always be your kindest to your spouse.” This seems easy, but when you’re with your significant other all the time, the gloves can come off. Take care to consider his feelings and desires like you consider your own. And don’t always think he is up to something when he is being kind to you. Let him compliment you without you being so quick to negate or be suspicious of any compliment sent your way. Just be gracious and say thank you. Sure you don’t need a man’s approval of your outfit, looks, material possessions, career choices, personality, etc., but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t accept kindness and be kind in return. And if you’re feeling especially kind, let him “win” an argument. He is your “Mr. Right” after all…right?

What have you found that you can do for yourself but enjoy asking a man to do?

Alissa Henry is a freelance writer living in Columbus, OH. Follow her on Twitter @AlissaInPink or check out her blog: This Cannot Be My Life  

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