Being Soft Is More Attractive Than Being Tough
You can’t blame the fellas for having some old-fashioned ideas about what “manliness” looks like. Some grow up believing they need to be tough and emotionally untouchable to attract women—even if that’s not the case. Nowadays, plenty of women are drawn to qualities that challenge traditional ideas of masculinity, especially when they suggest a man’s comfortable with himself. Come with us as we explore 20 supposedly unmanly traits that many women actually love.
1. Being Comfortable Crying
Some men would rather leave the room than let their partner catch them crying. Others might even get defensive if you ask them how they’re feeling. Well, many women appreciate a man who can shed a few tears without feeling embarrassed about it. Being moved by something meaningful isn't a character flaw, and pretending otherwise can make genuine emotional intimacy tougher, too.
2. Admitting He's Scared
There's something really refreshing about a guy who can admit he's terrified of heights or leaves the room during a particularly scary movie. Instead of acting like nothing bothers him, he acknowledges his fears, and plenty of women would rather date someone honest about his worries.
3. Enjoying Traditionally Feminine Hobbies
Where in the rulebook did it say that a man can’t enjoy arranging flowers? Why can’t men bake elaborate cakes or learn to sew? Exactly! There's nothing attractive about abandoning a hobby you enjoy because someone might make fun of you.
4. Being Openly Affectionate
For some guys, holding hands in public or kissing their partner in front of their friends feels a little too sentimental. But women love having a boyfriend who's comfortable demonstrating affection without acting like he just got put on stage. The ability to express love is also way more appealing than maintaining a carefully rehearsed tough-guy image.
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5. Asking For Help
Most guys are reluctant to ask for help because they've been taught that independence means handling everything themselves. Well, not anymore! A guy who asks for help not only acknowledges that he has something to learn, but he also shows that he values others’ opinions.
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6. Being Gentle With Small Animals
Who doesn’t swoon over a big man handling a tiny kitten or gently petting an adorable puppy? Although some guys associate masculinity with toughness, many women find tenderness toward vulnerable animals especially appealing. There's no reason a man can't be physically strong while giving Fido a good chin scratch.
7. Admitting He Misses His Partner
Playing it cool might seem like the safest way to avoid looking attached, but getting a sincere "I miss you" message makes a woman feel appreciated and wanted. A man who communicates his feelings directly saves everyone the trouble of guessing how interested he actually is. It also shows he’s comfortable being vulnerable.
8. Letting His Partner Take the Lead
Some guys get too uncomfortable letting their girlfriends or wives make decisions—they think they're supposed to be in charge. The thing is, a guy who lets his partner navigate a road trip or lead a home renovation recognizes that relationships don't require one leader. It’s okay to give someone else the reins once in a while!
9. Being Close to His Mother
Some guys worry that calling their mothers every weekend will make them seem childish or dependent, but that’s not always the case. It’s one thing if you side with your mother regardless of how she treats your partner; it’s another to be close with someone who respects you both.
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10. Getting Excited About Romantic Gestures
Planning a surprise anniversary dinner? Writing a heartfelt love letter? The mushy stuff might sometimes strike men as embarrassingly sentimental, but what’s what women live for! It's refreshing when a man doesn't groan over organizing a candlelit evening, and it’s even better when he knows it doesn’t somehow threaten his masculinity.
11. Being Willing to Change His Mind
Some guys dig in their heels and refuse to move off a point, even if they’re wrong. Women aren’t a fan of that, though. An open-minded guy who has no problem reconsidering his position is the guy who scores a second date.
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12. Caring About His Appearance
A man who enjoys skincare, gets regular manicures, or spends time choosing the best outfits might worry about appearing vain. Worse, he might worry that looking good is a “woman’s domain.” Insane! There's nothing unmanly about moisturizing your face or wanting your clothes to fit.
13. Enjoying Being the Little Spoon
Say what you want about seemingly intimidating men—they want some TLC, too! Enjoying the chance to be held by your partner is an affectionate experience, and women who love cuddles find it especially sweet when their boyfriend relaxes enough to accept that attention.
14. Being Patient With Children
It’s easy to want to tear your hair out when a kid asks “Why?” for the 500th time. But a guy who's willing to spend an afternoon helping his niece learn to ride a bicycle reveals a different side of him. Rather than getting frustrated, he offers encouragement and celebrates small improvements. That’s the kind of patience that’s incredibly attractive to women.
15. Admitting He Doesn't Know Something
Instead of just smiling and nodding his way through life, a secure man can simply say he doesn't know the answer. It could be for anything, too—it might happen when his girlfriend asks about a complicated news story or an unfamiliar historical event. Whatever the case, women value honesty, and they appreciate that vulnerability.
16. Being Comfortable Receiving Compliments
Believe it or not, some men get noticeably uncomfortable when their partners call them handsome. It’s time to do away with the negativity or nervousness! A man who can smile and sincerely thank someone allows his partner to express admiration without making things weird.
17. Having Close Male Friendships
A man who tells his best friend he loves him or offers emotional support during a difficult divorce might fear looking too sensitive. But that’s crazy, and women love men who maintain meaningful friendships. Being emotionally available also suggests he understands that relationships require attention and genuine effort.
18. Letting Himself Be Taken Care Of
When a man gets sick, he might insist that he's perfectly capable of handling everything…regardless of his dripping nose and fever. No woman wants to baby a man who waves the white flag over a sneeze, but allowing her to make you soup or pick up your medication gives her a chance to show some affection. Plus, lots of ladies enjoy caring for their partners, provided that thoughtfulness goes both ways.
19. Being Playfully Silly
Men who take themselves too seriously miss out on life! It’s okay to be silly, and it’s even more okay to let a woman see that side of you. A guy who happily sings along to a ridiculous pop song or performs an embarrassing dance in the kitchen just shows that he isn't obsessed with looking impressive.
20. Saying He Needs Emotional Support
One of the hardest things for some guys is simply admitting they're having a hard time. It’s easy to curl up in your shell, especially if you’ve convinced yourself that doing otherwise is “unmanly.” However, women value closeness, and they’ll jump at the chance to help you through those vulnerable moments.
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