What do men want?

Women often wonder what do men want when they are looking for a long-term relationship and a wife. While each man may have his own priorities, I got an email from Charles, who I think has a great list to get some ideas on how most men think.

1. She is comfortable about her weight and she holds no illusions about being too thin or overweight.
2. Health-wise, she has no problems. Here I am referring to the fact that she looks healthy on her skin, hair and everything about her physique.
3. She is the one who is serious about life and plans ahead with regards to money and retirement.
4. She is a woman with an inquisitive mind and it is fun to engage in a conversation with her.
5. She is a very lovable person with a strong personality and is kind.
6. On a more serious note, we are one of a kind and understand each other on many levels such that you don't have to say it in words and you already know your lover's needs and wants.

How to keep a relationship fresh?

Have a beautiful, well organized, and relaxing bedroom: It does not mean luxurious and/or new furniture, but it means that there is no clutter and it is a clean and tidy bedroom where you can truly relax. (Related: Bedroom decoration)

Dress nicely at nighttime: Of course, you can shop at Frederick’s of Hollywood or Victoria’s Secret if that is what you and your partner wants. However, there are many options out there, in which you can look sexy as well as be comfortable. Oversize T-shirts usually do not meet this criterion – keep them for cleaning the house.

Have a date: A special night right in your home (though it is not a bad idea to escape to a weekend getaway if you have the time and money). Give a massage to your partner even if he does not correspond, light a nice, natural ingredients based candle with a pleasant fragrance, and use high-quality, natural massage oil. Massages are relaxing for the person who gets them and also for the giver.

Dance together: Take a dance class at a local studio or adult education center. If not, shop for dance instruction videos, practice a little at home and then hit the clubs. Going out to dinner or movies are not the only options to entertain yourself.

Take a walk: Nice pleasant romantic walks are a great way to relax and talk. You will notice that even a difficult topic appears to be easy to talk about when taking a walk versus sitting on the couch in the family room.

Make it special: Once a month or so, try to have a special activity for you and your partner. You may include friends and family but that is up to you. You can visit a place such as museum, art gallery, or join a sport activity, a concert, a day trip, wine tasting, etc. Get out of the routine and do something different.

If you make the effort small activities that most of the time will not cost a lot of money nor take a lot of time can help you create a more romantic relationship.