No, she doesn’t need a 4 karat diamond ring or a big house to come home to / No, she doesn’t need a Hollywood movie scene or a sunset everyday in Malibu / No, all she needs are the little things…

Before this week started, I was struggling with a topic. I started two last week and finally chose one that had tugged on my heart for a little while. I know a lot of my readers have gotten used to the fiery, honest topics about life and dating, but I had to distract myself and talk about a few personal things the last couple of times. But rest assured, this week, I have a hot topic for you! Next week, I'll probably soothe the burn with a nice article about my hyper fur baby and animals in comparison to people (thanks, Summer).

Moving right along, today's topic is about how sometimes a girl just needs the little things. Now, guys, I'm not trying to leave you out of this at all, because I realize you need these things as well, but be honest with yourselves. A lot of you do not know what the little things are or what we even mean when we say that’s what we want/need.

I know you think we’re difficult and complicated, but we’re really not. Most of us just want someone that’s going to pay attention to us and listen to us. That’s a BIG thing, guys. PAYING ATTENTION and LISTENING is key alongside communication and trust. Some girls like clingy too, but I’m definitely notone of those girls.

So first thing first, in the beginning of a relationship, what happens? You start talking and learning everything about one another. She knows your favorite color, candy, car, etc. You learn her favorite flower, color, candy, animal, etc. Everything is picture perfect, right? This is what we call the cupcake stage or the honeymoon phase. During this time frame, you’ll have silly fights, but it’s okay. You can’t get enough of each other and all those “little things” are being done. He surprises you with something special and vice versa. The relationship seems perfect and you can’t wait to see where life takes you both. You even start fantasizing about your future together and he asks what ring you want one day that he may or may not get right. Oh, and guys, believe me even if she says it doesn’t matter: it does. The ring and the proposal is what builds your story and makes her want to tell everyone about it so please take notes and get it right. And if she wants pictures, video, and you to talk to her parents beforehand, go do it. It’s seriously that important to her. One out of three isn’t the greatest, believe me.

*Disclaimer: Yes, I realize not every relationship goes like this or the cupcake stage fades, but I’m being honest for the majority of what we often read/hear.*

Moving forward to stage two of the relationship: I can do life with this person. Oh boy, this stage is the tester for sure. So you’ve been together for about six months or so now and you start looking at getting a place together. You find one, but you know you’re settling. Let me tell ya, settling is not the thing to do. However, settling now just shows you how you really feel when it comes to finding the house you want and it brings another side of you out that he probably hasn’t seen yet. Living with someone takes things to a whole different level. You learn things about that person that will make you happy, but things that also make you question what you’re even doing with them. This is also the stage where you see those “little things” fade away unless there’s strings attached. Now, guys, I know that not all of you follow this. There are some of you out there that are on top of your game. Back to what I was saying, don’t let life get so busy that you stop doing the little things. Help her around the house without being asked. Cook dinner. Take the animals out if you have pets. Don’t just come in and expect her to do everything while you watch TV. Especially don’t complain about her not spending time with you throughout the week if you do not help her. She’s going to want to see her friends and family on the weekends too. To her she’s there with you throughout the week and you have plenty of time to spend with her if you would help her. Take her on dates still. Keep doing the things you did to get her. Guys, I cannot stress what I am about to say enough. Pay ATTENTION to your girl. LISTEN to your girl even if you think what she does is stupid. Shooting down her dreams or hobbies will only change her into someone you do not know. She deals with the things you do even if it makes her crazy. As women we realize we can be difficult to understand at times, but we also know we put up with a lot more than you think. You would be lost without us. APPRECIATE her. When a girl feels unappreciated she will change. She’ll become someone you do not recognize. And sometimes your girl will just need her girls. Don’t sit there and give her a bunch of grief about going out without you. She still has a life outside of you and doesn’t need you up her rear 24/7. Give her SPACE! (sorry, for the wording in the below picture)

The rest of the relationship stages happen after you get past the second stage if you’re able to compromise and move forward. The bottom line, however, is a girl needs the little things. She needs the sweet, cute reminders that she still means something to you. Show up with the flowers and candy. Send her the cute, sweet texts. Ask about her day. Don’t just be sweet because you want something. If you treat her like you did in the beginning, you won’t lose her. Don’t try to control her or be the crazy jealous guy. Jealousy will kill a relationship. And if you’re with an independent girl, she will not deal with it for long.

In closing, just remember do things for her out of the goodness and sincerity of your heart. If you’re only being nice to get something from it, don’t waste her time. Girls want to be treated like queens. Treat her like you would want your future daughter to be treated or how you want your future son to treat his girl.