Sister, cater to your man forget this new age nonsense! Like women, men need to know that you love and appreciate them.  A man likes to feel like a man. Seldom do men admit to their specific emotional needs, but in many ways, they want the same things as women. Your man wants to feel loved, he wants to feel attractive, he wants to feel capable and needed.  So I say, try spoiling him. Here are a few tips for making your man feel like a man. If your man is hungry? Cook for him; Top Ramen and McDonald’s is not a meal. Need suggestions? Bake some chicken and steam some vegetables or make tacos. Figure out what  some of his favorite foods are.  It doesn’t have  to be fancy, it just needs to show you put forth some effort. House a mess?Clean it. Your husband should come home to a nice, clean smelling home. If you don’t have the time to clean it,  consider hiring a housekeeper. Men, in particular black men, already face numerous stressors during their day. When he comes home, it should be a place of peace and calm for him. I recommend every woman purchase scented candles (Eucalyptus, Lavender are nice calming scents)  or buy flowers to add a woman’s touch to the home. Every Saturday I go to the Farmers Market to purchase fresh flowers for the week. Flowers create a serene environment in your home. Flowers also add color and life to any room. If his clothes are dirty, wash them or take them to the cleaners. He’s had a long day, rub his shoulders, give him your love and affection!  He’s stressed; step back, let him be, and pray for him. 

Be a helpmate! Stay Cute! So many women let their physical appearance go, especially once children come into the picture. Don’t always dress as if you are going to the gym.  Put a little makeup on and throw some heels on once in a while. Say affirming words to your partner such as “I really appreciate you”, “It’s a lot of fun being (Mrs…”). I always affirm my husband by telling him I appreciate all his hard work. He always knows how to bring a smile to my face. What I have learned over the years is that those small gestures help to keep your relationship strong. When you do these gestures, what you are really communicating to your partner is that they still matter. So do something special for your guy today like picking up his favorite desert or not nagging him about picking up his dirty clothes; just put them in the hamper. Most importantly, don’t let some new age, single gal tell you otherwise. Take it from someone who’s been with the same guy for 20+ years, cater to your man or someone else will.

Ms. Culture Keeper-