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Relationships

Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

Men, what's that one thing that your girlfriend/ partner/ wife does that keeps you committed to them?

171 replies

talesofhappy · 16/01/2024 18:59

This really.
I'm curious to hear men's version the main reason they are in a committed relationship with their female partners.
Only looking to hear from men.
Thanks

OP posts:
WalkingThroughTreacle · 18/01/2024 07:31

ButtonMoon5 · 18/01/2024 00:16

Like a wood nymph or an angel? 🤔

Or a silent fart. You can sense it, you know it's there and it lingers like an aura around them touching everyone in their presence. You can't quantify it though or even prove it's existence. Only the person responsible and those of a childish disposition appreciate it, most everyone else finds it a bit grim.

Sweden99 · 18/01/2024 08:47

As a man, but speaking only for myself, I would say not ruining it is enough. If you are reasonably compatible, then decency should be enough. The talk about femininity is more about getting together in the first place. People will change and likely be much bigger after a year or two of a steady relationship That cannot be the main thing.

If I look back on my relationship, my first one was perhaps typical of many young men who are grateful just to have a relationship. Had the roles been reversed, it would be seen as abusive. She did much of the cooking but did not work, so I earned the money and did the rest of the housework. The demeaning behaviour was tough and when she threatened to leave again I just shrugged my shoulders and said "OK then".

The second relationship was very different, but there was constant emotional support for her required and constantly thinking ahead for things that might upset her. When there was a major family event and my brother was sectioned, I hoped I would get support (I was very young and naive back then), and instead she was furious with me. I might be more understanding now but back then I had higher expectations. That is one that would be different now.

My third relationship was just incompatible, she wanted a man who would be imperious and arrogant. I was not like that, so it fell apart. But that is fair enough.

The fourth, was also incompatibility. She liked to be very domineering, to the extent of preferring me to be reluctant in bed. It also invovled me being put down regularly and I was not able to stand it.

The fifth, it was great! She helped me with housework, also had a job, we talked issues through, had a sex life and looked forward to kids. Once we married, she no longer contributed to housework significantly, did not have a job, we could no longer talk things through as we were not in the same reality, I was considered rapey for ever wanting sex and she no longer wanting kids. I was fortunate to be in Scandinavia at this time, where I was not blamed but encouraged to leave.

My fifth relationship (and second marriage), we both share housework, both have jobs and work broadly to the same goals. It is still hard work, and I can not see many women putting up with it! But we are on the same side. She has not cheated on me and contributes to the relationship too.

Illpickthatup · 18/01/2024 12:42

Josette77 · 17/01/2024 18:48

For me feminine strength means that I am very nurturing and maternal and ferocious when it comes to protecting my loved ones. I'm a soft place to land, very communicative, and show up for people. I have the stereotypical female qualities and love to take care of people. I've had a hard life in ways and that's made me even more protective of making sure my family feels safe and loved. Abuse, foster care, dead parents. I think I came through all that softer in ways and I'm happy with that.

Maybe that sounds stupid but I loved it as a compliment. It made me see the things I'm good at, as strengths rather than weakness's.

I like the idea of feminine characteristics being seen as strong. I consider myself a kick ass woman. I have a ds with complex sn's and my whole life is taking care of him.

I guess I've often seen people make fun of so called girly things as though they are frivolous and pointless. It was nice to be told it's attractive.

That's a lovely description of feminine energy. I feel exactly the same. For me this is what being feminine means rather than having long hair and wearing dresses.

I also believe both men and women can have feminine energy the same as women can have masculine energy. I can completely understand why men who feel they have mostly masculine energy would be attracted to feminine women because they complement their personality. They bring to the table what the man doesn't and vice versa.

Dantedisciple · 18/01/2024 13:10

We can recognise toxic masculinity but not ethereal femininity. Perhaps we should start looking out for toxic femininity. We might recognise that.

Mirabai · 18/01/2024 13:34

Dantedisciple · 18/01/2024 13:10

We can recognise toxic masculinity but not ethereal femininity. Perhaps we should start looking out for toxic femininity. We might recognise that.

I don’t think you need to look far for toxic femininity in MN 😆

PaintedEgg · 18/01/2024 13:38

as soon as someone explains what this ethereal femininity is I can start considering it

as it stands the only image it bring to my mind is Madame Bovary and that's nothing to aspire to

DogLover24 · 18/01/2024 13:54

MrsTerryPratchett · 16/01/2024 20:36

'Ethereal' femininity.

That's DEFINITELY not it for DH. He likes that I'm kick-arse. Take no shit Adventure Girl. He's a giant black belt with a shaved head and broken nose and has hidden behind me when I'm fighting my corner at times. Doesn't get involved unless he gets the nod.

Some men value strength and bravery. His mum was like that too. And his sister.

So he fancies his mum 😳 Nice! 👍🏻

DogLover24 · 18/01/2024 13:58

theDudesmummy · 16/01/2024 21:50

What's femininity?

🤦‍♀️ If you're an adult and don't know what that means then God help you my friend

theDudesmummy · 18/01/2024 14:11

DogLover24 · 18/01/2024 13:58

🤦‍♀️ If you're an adult and don't know what that means then God help you my friend

😂

Heartbreaktuna · 18/01/2024 16:40

DogLover24 · 18/01/2024 13:58

🤦‍♀️ If you're an adult and don't know what that means then God help you my friend

It is you who should be embarrassed. She was clearly being philosophical.

Twattergy · 18/01/2024 17:22

Me:DH, what's the one thing I could do more of to keep you committed to me?
DH: Femininity
Me: Er, thanks...

PaintedEgg · 18/01/2024 17:27

DogLover24 · 18/01/2024 13:58

🤦‍♀️ If you're an adult and don't know what that means then God help you my friend

sorry, i have no clue, please tell me what it means - im ready to learn!

ButtonMoon5 · 18/01/2024 17:55

WalkingThroughTreacle · 18/01/2024 07:31

Or a silent fart. You can sense it, you know it's there and it lingers like an aura around them touching everyone in their presence. You can't quantify it though or even prove it's existence. Only the person responsible and those of a childish disposition appreciate it, most everyone else finds it a bit grim.

Thanks for the laugh! 😂

baileybrosbuildingandloan · 18/01/2024 20:11

Adateworsethandeath · 16/01/2024 19:08

Strange to ask for only men's responses on what is primarily a female site.

What she said above, plus 'dont attach themselves to a twat?'

Edited

That was my first thought!

Britpop123 · 18/01/2024 20:19

DogLover24 · 18/01/2024 13:54

So he fancies his mum 😳 Nice! 👍🏻

Don’t be a dick

he values an attribute he’s seen in family members. No need to make out it means he wants another mum figure or fancies family members!

SleepingStandingUp · 18/01/2024 20:25

My fifth relationship (and second marriage), we both share housework, both have jobs and work broadly to the same goals. It is still hard work, and I can not see many women putting up with it! But we are on the same side. She has not cheated on me and contributes to the relationship too.
Why are you treating her in a way not many women would put up with @sweden99 ?

Heartbreaktuna · 19/01/2024 11:43

Britpop123 · 18/01/2024 20:19

Don’t be a dick

he values an attribute he’s seen in family members. No need to make out it means he wants another mum figure or fancies family members!

Freud might disagree

motherofkevinnotperry · 19/01/2024 18:35

Well DP has surprised me. His answer "because I love you, you're my best friend and I don't want to be with anyone else but you" ......followed up by "also the kids are a nightmare, we need to stick together" 🤣.

Been together 30 years. We drive each other mad, we have our issues and it's been hard work but here we are!

Illpickthatup · 19/01/2024 21:03

motherofkevinnotperry · 19/01/2024 18:35

Well DP has surprised me. His answer "because I love you, you're my best friend and I don't want to be with anyone else but you" ......followed up by "also the kids are a nightmare, we need to stick together" 🤣.

Been together 30 years. We drive each other mad, we have our issues and it's been hard work but here we are!

My mum used to joke that her and my dad will never get divorced because they didn't want to risk being stuck with us lot on their own! 🤣

theDudesmummy · 20/01/2024 09:00

Freud might disagree

Freud was a dick!

PaintedEgg · 20/01/2024 11:03

Heartbreaktuna · 19/01/2024 11:43

Freud might disagree

really?

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