If you’ve ever found yourself wondering what to say to your boyfriend or husband to make him smile, you’re not alone. As a relationship coach, I’ve seen this question come up so many times.
We often think men don’t care about words of affirmation, but trust me, they absolutely do, if not more! And while every man is different, there are a few universal things that most guys love to hear from their girlfriends or wives.
In my years as a coach, I’ve noticed that couples who communicate well and share these little affirmations often experience stronger, more connected relationships.
In this article, I’ll share what I’ve learned about the things guys love to hear from their loved ones. So, whether you’re in a new relationship or have been together for years, these 18 phrases will not only make your man feel appreciated but will also help deepen the emotional bond between you.
✅ Key Takeaway
Men often hide their emotional needs, but hearing words of affirmation like “I love you” or “I trust you” can deeply impact their sense of security, love, and connection. Simple, thoughtful words can strengthen your bond and make your relationship thrive.
What Guys Like to Hear?
First, let’s clear up a misconception: men do appreciate compliments and words of affirmation. Society often teaches men to hide their emotions, but that doesn’t mean they don’t want to feel valued, loved, and desired.
Whether it’s something simple like “I miss you” or a deeper expression of trust and respect, the right words can strengthen your relationship.

18 Things Guys Like To Hear From Their Loved Ones
Now, let’s dive into 18 phrases that every guy would love to hear from his partner!
1. “I Love You”
This one may seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many men don’t hear this often enough from their partners. Saying “I love you” is a simple but incredibly powerful way to reassure your partner of your feelings.
It’s not just about reminding him of your love; it’s about showing him that your feelings are strong, real, and ongoing.
Why It Matters: Men need to feel secure in a relationship, just like women do. When you say these three words, you’re giving him a sense of stability and emotional connection.
It reminds him that the foundation of your relationship is love, which is key to long-term happiness.
2. “You’re S#xy”
Your man wants to feel desired just as much as you do. Complimenting your partner’s looks or even his masculinity can be a huge boost to his confidence.
Just as women appreciate feeling attractive, men want to know that their partner finds them s#xy and attractive.
Why It Matters: When you tell him he’s s#xy, you’re not just boosting his ego; you’re letting him know that you’re physically attracted to him, which helps keep the spark alive in your relationship. He’ll feel more confident, both in the relationship and in himself.
3. “You’re the Best”
Everyone likes to feel like they’re the number one in their partner’s life. Telling your guy that he’s the best, whether it’s as a partner, a friend, or in how he handles something important, makes him feel irreplaceable.
It’s about more than just boosting his ego; it’s about showing him that you appreciate him for all that he is.
Why It Matters: In a world full of competition, where we’re often comparing ourselves to others, hearing that you’re the best from the person you love can be incredibly reassuring. It gives him the confidence to face the world and strengthens his emotional connection with you.
💡 Quick Tip
The key is to be genuine when you compliment him. Tailor your words to specific qualities or actions you admire, and he’ll feel truly valued.
4. “I Miss You”
This is one of those simple phrases that carries a lot of weight. Saying “I miss you” when you’re apart shows that he’s an important part of your life and that you value the time you spend together.
Whether he’s away on a trip or just at work for the day, these words make him feel loved and missed.
Why It Matters: Absence can make the heart grow fonder, but only if you communicate that longing. Letting him know you miss him makes him feel needed and appreciated, which strengthens your bond even when you’re not physically together.
When couples I work with start communicating how much they miss each other during time apart, they often report feeling closer, even in long-distance relationships.
5. “I Need You”
This is a phrase that goes beyond emotional or physical desire. Telling your man that you need him makes him feel valued and important in your life.
Men, just like women, want to know that they are irreplaceable and that they play a significant role in your life.
Why It Matters: Men like to feel that they’re needed in some way, whether it’s for emotional support, practical help, or just being there for you. This phrase taps into his protective side and reassures him that he’s not just “extra” in your life, but essential.
6. “I Trust You Completely”
Trust is the foundation of any strong relationship. When you tell your man that you trust him, you’re giving him a huge vote of confidence.
Trusting him with your feelings, your heart, and your well-being lets him know that you believe in his integrity and his ability to take care of you emotionally and physically.
Why It Matters: Trust is everything in a relationship. When you express this to your partner, it not only builds his self-esteem but also strengthens the bond of loyalty between you both. It also makes him feel respected, which is something every man values deeply.
7. “I Got You Something Special”
It’s often assumed that women love gifts more than men, but that’s not entirely true. Men love feeling special, too!
Whether it’s a small token or something meaningful, surprising him with a gift lets him know you’re thinking of him when he’s not around.
Why It Matters: It’s not about the gift itself, but the thought behind it. Men love knowing that you’ve been thinking about them. It creates excitement and makes him feel appreciated, reminding him that he’s loved and cared for even when you’re apart.
Did You Know❓
Did you know that men, just like women, crave words of affirmation? Simple compliments can boost their confidence and make them feel more secure in the relationship.
8. “You’re the Most Handsome Man in My World”
This is more than just a compliment about his looks. When you tell your man that he’s the most handsome in your world, you’re telling him that he’s your standard of attractiveness.
Even if he knows there are other good-looking guys out there, hearing that you find him incredibly attractive boosts his confidence.
Why It Matters: Men, like women, can sometimes feel insecure about their appearance. Complimenting his looks helps him feel attractive and reassures him that your physical attraction to him is as strong as ever.
9. “I Want You”
This phrase is powerful because it lets him know that you desire him, both emotionally and physically. Men want to feel wanted, and telling him that you want him shows that you’re still attracted to him and that he still has that spark for you.
Why It Matters: Desire is a big part of a romantic relationship. Letting him know that you still feel that connection keeps the passion alive and ensures that he feels desired, not just loved.
10. “I Love How You Took Care of Me Last Night”
Acknowledging your partner’s efforts, especially after an intimate moment, makes him feel appreciated. Whether it’s in the bedroom or how he supported you emotionally, gratitude for his efforts builds a strong bond.
Why It Matters: It’s easy to overlook the importance of expressing gratitude for intimacy. By saying this, you show that you value the effort he puts into making sure you’re happy and satisfied, which in turn, encourages more positive behavior.
11. “What Are You Thinking About?”
Sometimes men get lost in their thoughts, and asking them this simple question shows that you’re paying attention and that you care. It might seem like a small gesture, but it opens the door for deeper conversations and emotional intimacy.
Even if he brushes it off, just asking this question shows that you are attentive and supportive.
Why It Matters: This phrase shows him that you’re interested in his inner world and care about what’s going on in his mind. It creates an opportunity for connection on a deeper level, which is vital for long-term emotional intimacy.
12. “I Believe in You”
Telling your partner you believe in him, especially during times of self-doubt, is incredibly uplifting. Whether he’s facing a tough challenge or just trying to meet a personal goal, your belief in him can be the push he needs to keep going.
Why It Matters: This kind of affirmation is crucial for men, especially in moments of doubt or struggle. It gives them the strength to keep pushing forward, knowing that the person they care about most is in their corner.
As a coach, I’ve seen how much these words can push men to reach for greatness. Whether he’s starting a new project, trying to meet a goal, or just feeling down, hearing that you believe in him can give him the confidence boost he needs to succeed.
13. “I Was Wrong, Please Forgive Me”
This is a big one. No one likes admitting they’re wrong, but owning up to your mistakes is a sign of maturity and respect.
Men appreciate a sincere apology just as much as women do, and it shows him that you value his feelings and the relationship more than being right.
Why It Matters: Apologizing when you’re wrong is essential for maintaining trust and respect in any relationship. It helps you both move forward instead of holding onto resentment, which is crucial for long-term happiness.
14. “I Love How You Think”
Complimenting his intelligence or the way he approaches problems shows that you respect him not just for how he looks but for who he is. This kind of validation goes a long way in making him feel smart, valued, and appreciated.
Why It Matters: Men want to feel respected for their intellect and abilities, just as much as for their looks. Acknowledging his thoughts and ideas shows that you appreciate him for his mind, not just his physical presence.
15. “Have Fun With Your Friends”
Encouraging your partner to spend time with his friends shows that you trust him and respect his need for personal space. It also reinforces that you’re confident in your relationship, which only strengthens it.
A healthy relationship balances couple time with individual time, and supporting his friendships strengthens that balance.
Why It Matters: Giving him the freedom to maintain his friendships shows that you respect his individuality. It builds trust and allows both of you to bring fresh energy back into the relationship.
16. “Let Me Handle This Bill”
Sometimes, offering to take care of the bill or another financial burden can be a huge relief for many men. It shows that you’re willing to contribute equally to the relationship and that you see yourselves as a team.
Why It Matters: In a world where men are often expected to take the financial lead, this gesture can be a huge relief. It shows that you’re ready to support him in practical ways, which can help him feel less burdened and more appreciated.
17. “You Have My Support”
When your partner is going through a tough time or pursuing a personal goal, letting him know you’re there for him, no matter what, is incredibly powerful. It reassures him that you’re in this together, through thick and thin.
Why It Matters: Knowing that someone has your back can make all the difference when facing challenges. By offering your support, you’re telling him that he’s not alone and that you’re in this as a team.
18. “How Can I Help Out?”
Offering to help when you see your partner is stressed or overwhelmed shows that you’re paying attention and that you care about his well-being. Whether it’s with chores, work, or emotional support, this phrase shows that you’re there to lighten his load.
Why It Matters: It’s easy to take for granted the little stresses in life, but offering help shows that you’re aware of his struggles and willing to pitch in. This fosters a sense of partnership and support, which are key to a healthy relationship.
Final Words
At the end of the day, the words we choose to say to our partners have a huge impact on our relationships. Men, like women, need to hear affirmations of love, support, and admiration. By using these phrases, you’re not only making your partner feel valued and appreciated, but you’re also strengthening the bond you share.
So the next time you’re with your boyfriend or husband, try dropping one of these phrases. You’ll be surprised at how such simple words can make him feel, and how they can deepen your relationship over time.
So, why not start with something simple today like, “I love you”? You’ll be amazed at the positive impact it can have!
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