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How To Treat A Man So That He Doesn’t Cheat

13 October 2008 1,466 views 32 Comments

I (TheDad) saw this over on videojug.com:

Keeping a man faithful is not as difficult as it may appear at first. For starters, most men WANT to be true to their spouses, but for that extra boost to ensure fidelity, try these steps.

Steps

  1. Respect him. Without fail this is the number one thing that men need and want from their girlfriends.
  2. Remind him everyday as to why he’s with you. In other words, take time to make him feel special as if he’s the only one in your life.
  3. Validate your man on a daily basis. Whether he works outside of the house or is a stay-at-home dad, your man still needs to feel like a man. You know he is, make sure he knows it as well.
  4. Appreciate all the things he does for you. It doesn’t matter whether those things are big or small, they are worth, at the least, a thank you.
  5. Spice it up every once in a while. Tell him your fantasies, listen to his. Don’t be afraid to experiment.
  6. Laugh. Laugh often, but with him, not at him. Tell him a joke that you think he might like or clip out comics from the newspaper and place them on the fridge.
  7. Listen first, and then talk. Let him finish what he has to say before you interrupt. Ask questions if you’re not sure about what he said.
  8. Be his biggest supporter! Men don’t like to admit it, but they need reassurances too. and by showing him that you support him and are there with him through day to day life will ensure that he doesn’t have a need that someone else will happily fill for him.
  9. Don’t lose your own self respect. Stop blaming yourself and understand that some things are beyond your control.

Tips

  • Patience is key. Your man may not respond immediately to any of these techniques right away as change is difficult to both acknowledge and accept, eventually though, he will come around.
  • Think before you gripe. What you may perceive as venting, just may come across as bitching to him which may cause him not to listen when you have a real complaint.
  • Apologize with caution. Most (but not all) women have a tendency to over-apologize. If this is you, don’t say “sorry” unless you really did something wrong and don’t say it if you don’t mean it.

Warnings

  • If you are getting abused by him in any way, don’t remain silent. Do something about it - tell your best friend/a person you trust or call the police.

Alright, who agrees with this? I already know what some of you are going to say but I’ll wait for you to say it before I comment. Is the list true or just junk? Let us know.

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32 Comments »

  • Misbeehavin said:

    Excellent Post. But sadly, some woman will do all those things for their man and he still will cheat.

  • Nicole said:

    JUNK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    I hate when people do articles about what a woman needs to do to keep her husband happy! Please, so if I don’t validate my husband on a regular basis he has a pass to cheat on me. I am not a mind reader, you need to tell me if you having issues.

    The bottom line is that a man that decides to get married needs to be confident and man enough to talk to his wife if he has an issue and then they should work it out. If you can’t do that you shouldn’t get married. Games are for kids.

  • Keep it real said:

    Are you kidding me? How do you find such bad articles.

    Basically this article is saying that it is the woman’s fault if her husband/SO cheats.

    Are you two years old? This is how I would treat my child. Do you really expect me to treat a grown man this way?

    I am all for boosting someone’s ego, but give me a break. That article is beyound ridiculous.

  • TheDad (author) said:

    LOL. I knew this would be a article that would promote conversation. LOL

  • Misbeehavin said:

    I still agree with the post. There’s nothing wrong with doing the things listed above for your man. Will it stop him from cheating? Probably Not. I created a post on another site for the males asking them what they do to keep their woman happy, since their are always post about what a woman should do for their man. Let me tell you, only about 3 males responded. I can’t say that I’m surprised. I see woman on a everyday basis put more into their relationships than what they get.

  • Political Music said:

    This is ridiculous.

    Nothing will stop your man from cheating if he wants to do so (or woman). This article is fundamentally flawed. Cheating has more to do with maturity and selfishness as opposed to what is happening at home. I would argue that this advice is more appropriate for men in regards to women. Women tend to cheat for neglect, where men cheat for selfish gormandizing reasons.

    Btw, I am a man.

    You could have a woman doing all of those things time ten, but if a man is selfish and wants more, he is going to cheat

    Okay, not out of the sexist paradigm. The sexist undertones of the article are obvious and I’m sure that’s what the Dad is waiting for lol (he knows how to keep up coming back lol). The idea of a “burden to “keep” someone faithful” is absurd.

    Basics will help: Selflessness, communication, and honesty.

  • Peter Wilkins said:

    Political,

    Nice blog! I really like your website! (Okay, back to the topic).

    I disagree with you in part. I agree with you that cheating is about selfishness, but realistically, black men need the support of their women. It is her duty. The only reason this seems sexist is because it is a ONE SIDED post. Usually the other sex is hyper-sensative when reading what THEY are supposed to do.

    There is also a list that MEN need to do, but that is not what the article is addressing at this point. The article is focusing on women, so you are mixing the message. The author did not say, the man’s job is to sit back and let the woman do this, if not, it is permissible to cheat, rather, the article speaks about ways to mitigate or stop it before it happens.

    If we want to create healthy families, we have to understand that our progressivity has nothing to do with our careers. My wife is submissive, and I am submissive to her when she needs it. I don’t abuse it. She has a great career and the two are mutually exclusive.

    There is a fine line between theory and practicality, even in a partnership, both parties need things.

  • T. Rogers said:

    I would amend the title to say “How to treat a man in order to maintain a healthy relationship” and drop the cheating part. I think the list is great! I would add a tenth nugget, though. Give him space every now and then. We men need that. Sometimes we simply do not want to talk.

    It is funny to see some of the female posters get offended. Ladies it is not your responsibility to validate your husband to keep him from cheating. However two people who are mature enough to understand human nature and the dynamics of a SUCESSFUL marriage know it is imperative that both spouses validate each other to maintain a healthy relationship.

    My wife has a relationship with me that no other woman has. Every now and then she needs that exclusiveness and specialness validated. That validation can be achieved through many of the points list above. This need does not make her weak. It makes her human. I have the same need for validation.

    And to clarify, the validation I speak of is NOT personal validation or validation of self. It is validation of my relationship with my spouse. It is validation of my role in her life. If you think this is not needed, then I hope you are not married.

  • Peter Wilkins said:

    Successful my dude. Two “C’s”… and you put it in all caps too lol. I agree with ya T.

  • T. Rogers said:

    Peter,

    I actually spelled check it too! I guess I this one got me a little hyped up.

  • Peter Wilkins said:

    I know, I’m just picking with ya

  • Mocha Dad said:

    I think you can change to title of the article to “How to Treat Your Man or Woman So That He or She Doesn’t Cheat.” The items listed in the article are essential for maintaining any relationship. You must constantly show your mate that he/she is the the most important person in your life. While it is true that a person who has his/her mind set on cheating will do so anyway, it is not a reason to refrain from working on growing a stronger relationship.

    Mocha Dads last blog post..Parent Teacher Conference

  • Maximum said:

    Personally, I think the list is great! I take no offense to the title or topic of the article because there are numerous articles out there providing men with relationship tips, as well. Additionally, I don’t think the title was meant to be taken literally. Entering into a relationship is a gamble no matter how many tips we employ. But as the old adage goes: You reap what you sow. Putting in a positive effort (like the above tips) could only help your situation and decrease the likelihood of your partner cheating. But we all know, some people are just going to do what they want. In these cases, wouldn’t it feel good to walk away with a clear conscience knowing you did all you could on your end?

    As a woman, I don’t see the problem in taking an active interest in pleasing my man. If what we have is a true relationship then reciprocity is a given. If my mate is not actively seeking ways to better our relationship and keep me happy, then I need to reevaluate my choice. I think society’s attempt to erase gender roles is contributing to the disintegration of monogamy; more specifically marraige. No, I’m not June Cleaver and I don’t think a woman’s place is barefoot and pregnant. But I do think alot of women are angry and hurt from failed relationships or believe that being financially self-sufficient gives them the right to emasculate the men in their lives. But these same women don’t understand why they have trouble finding or keeping a man. Women need to feel needed, validated and appreciated. So why don’t men deserve the same?

    Call me confused, but I really don’t see what the big problem is with the article.

  • Huemanity said:

    LOL, these types of “articles” always cause drama.

    I don’t know, I think cheating has a lot more to do with a breakdown in communication than anything else. Communication is key. Also, women cannot get so offended if he tells you he is unhappy about something. 9 times out of 10 he will admit that it is also his fault. Men can be very honest if they feel comfortable opening up.

    My husband has been pretty blunt when there have been “dry spells” in our marriage. Mainly after we had a baby and I was breastfeeding and just not at all feelin’ it. LOL. But he was honest and I had to see where he was coming from. We still needed to connect in that way and part of that was my job too.

    So I think everyone needs to just chill out and think about your particular partner. Chances are he/she has tried to let you know they aren’t getting what they need. You can either choose to ignore it, place it on YOUR value system as opposed to theirs, or try and make them happy.

    I don’t think most men want to cheat. It takes too much time and energy and work. He’d rather just get what he wants from his wife which is why he got married in the first place, right?

    Huemanitys last blog post..Car Talk

  • Maximum said:

    Good stuff Huemanity. Especially the part about placing someone’s viewpoint in your value system as opposed to theirs.

  • Esquire said:

    I like the list, but I still agree with a couple of other posters. Unfortunately, a person could do everything on that list and still end up getting cheated on.

    I still think the list provides some good things that both spouses can do to keep their marriages on the right track.

    Also, while it’s directed at men, the rules seem pretty gender neutral.

  • TheDad (author) said:

    I was busy working today so I couldn’t jump back in until I got home. Lets start the week off with some conversation. I think there were some very good points made and I love that the brothers represented on this one. I have a special post I have planned for the men but I wasn’t sure if it was gonna work but now I feel like I can do it and the men will have my back. Check for that tomorrow, it will be a good one.

    Back to this I personally think men are wired differently and need that little pat on the back and need to know that they are needed. It may sound silly but that’s what I think. Men have that ego thing going on and it is what it is. Now that’s not to say that women shouldn’t receive praise and adoration. I’m always trying to let my wife know how I feel about her and how I appreciate what she does. That’s one thing she’ll never be able to call me out on.

    Now all of this has no bearing on whether the man will cheat or not. Some men have this and more and still step out but I think doing the above for both men and women will add to the relationship.

  • elle denise said:

    *Agreeing 100% with Misbeehavin*

    This goes both ways… and I’d like to add Rule #10 Be Fair

  • Ms. HM said:

    I like this list as well, but I agree with some of the other posters. If a person male or female wants to cheat, it does not matter if they have the best spouse in the world, they will still cheat.

    Ms. HMs last blog post..Got A Pay Raise………BUT………

  • MissJay said:

    I feel like my post would be like a broken record. I agree with a lot of posters. I really agree with Maximum. I personally try just about everything I can to make it work. Then I can walk away knowing that I did my part and then some. It may take a lot out of me, but no one can say I didn’t try.

    That being said the other posters are right that it doesn’t matter if the person will cheat anyway. They can be getting everything they want and need and then some, but if they are basically one who cheats all the time, they will cheat regardless. I know because I know people who are like that. Even if the relationship is going along fine they cheat. The relationship hits a problem, no matter how big, they cheat. Don’t even try to work it out. And that’s just dating someone exclusivly.

  • Georgia Peche said:

    I appreciate the effort, but I guess you expected some backlash. I agree that (black woman especially) take our men for granted SOMETIMES and we walk around with attitudes and forget to be the nurturing, loving women we are supposed to be, but why do we have to hold a man’s hand to keep him from cheating he should just want to be faithful because he genuinely loves a woman. I know some women-and some men-who will stand by their love even if that person loses limbs or their reproductive organs. It goes both ways, but if a woman gains weight the man cheats,but if the woman doesn’t gain weight the man will still cheat because some men are just that way. I love my husband unconditionally and I wouldn’t cheat on him or find any little reason to cheat on him, so why is it that we woman have to do things to keep a man. I think that we need to stop babying men and start teaching them the right way to treat a woman, that should be your next post (1. Stop finding excuses to cheat 2….). I just feel that even though woman cheat too men are the worse because some (not all) act like they have no self control and the minute a woman messes up just a little, the relationship is a mess and he has to go and cheat: ex: “You don’t cook, so I slept with your best friend, she cooks”. Our culture is so screwed up with people being oversexed especially with these horrible music videos. A man even uses sex for power because raping usually isn’t about the act of sex it’s about control, but how does ones mind lead to that type of control? When will our men find a higher thought process? You guys really need to stop thinking with your peen and start thinking with your brains and stop always equating sex with, well pretty much everything. New flash: sex and love are not the same, you can have one without the other and a lot of times,it is lust you are feeling, not love.

    Georgia Peches last blog post..This one, that one.

  • Kit (Keep It Trill) said:

    I wrote a post yesterday along this topic (The War Between The Sexes In The Black Community) that you and your readers might be interested in. It addresses the roots of this issue.

    Kit (Keep It Trill)s last blog post..Hard Rocks Love 7: The War Between The Sexes In The Black Community

  • Anna said:

    I did not read all the comments. I have not been in the room for a few days. I have been hooked on the news. Obama was in my city and burbs for the past 3 days. I will add to this post that you can’t stop anyone from cheating. You can give a spouse all the things they want, need both physically and mentally but it is up to them to restrain and remember the vows shared. I do not believe all men cheat as much as I don’t believe all woman cheat. Sorry, have to join the dabate chat.

  • Britni said:

    from what I’ve learned first hand from experience is that if you’re too nice, people will walk all over you. My whole life (17 years) I’ve only done for others, and never for myself, for that is what makes me happy, and I’ve never gotten the recognition that I deserve, girls, the guys want someone to love them, true..but what about the chase, even later into a relationship, or into your lives..he needs to know that you can’t be walked all over. I have been with my current boyfriend for 3 years, I did everything that I could for him, so much, that I let myself go. He doesn’t want a mom, he wants support, yes, but he also wants to know that YOU know that you’re worth it. I found this to be true after many months of grieving after walking in on him with my friend.. iot hurt, but it was a real eye opener.

  • mother of five said:

    I really belive that a man will be a man n these situations.I feel like if you are not happy in a situation get out of don’t bother hurting innocent people.

  • Kryssi said:

    Some men are just never satisfied! You go out of your way to do what you think will make them stay, and they still screw up! It depends on the type of man you’re dealing with!

  • Anonymous said:

    Good Luck,

    The two reasons why men are likely to cheat is because so many sistah’s are attracted to married men. The other reason is that wives mistreat their husbands.

    As a single profesional black male, my married friends have more women that I do. And make no mistake, my married friends are no better looking than me.

    I believe the attraction has to do with “he married the other woman, bought her a house, so if I can get him away from her he will do the same for me.”

    I also believe that there are many sistah’s who are emotionally immature/unstable and enjoy the “drama” of getting involved with a married man.

    The other reason that married man cheat is that their wives mistreat them by denying them sex, etc.

    If you are sistah’, your best bet is to treat your husband right and watch out for the other women…

  • Anne-marie said:

    First time on this site and I love it.

    Just wanted to mention that no matter what you do for your spouse, if they want to cheat, they will…even if you break out the cuffs and swing from the chandeliers…

    Cheating has almost nothing to do with how a person is treated. It’s more about loss of the emotional connection that brought two people together. Once your spouse forgets your true essence and why they were attracted to you in the first place, it’s a death sentence for the relationship. I think we as women forget how to remain true to ourselves… true to the exciting, loving and interesting person our spouse fell in love with. We let every day pressures change us…and usually not for the better.

    How do I know all this? I’m a mistress…and not for money or anything. It just fits my situation right now. I love him but not sure if I want him “till death do us part”. He even wanted to leave his wife but I asked him to wait a bit till I’m sure of what I want. Sometimes I wish I could give women advice on how to keep their spouses happy or at least interested, but most people are too judgmental to hear what I’m saying.

    My two cents…

  • ewok said:

    Wow. This article was so one sided. Those “tips” were hilarious. It seemed as if she were giving tips on how to keep Mister from The Color Purple happy. It takes both people in the relationship to make it work; not the woman running behind dude all of the time like a scared, lovesick idiot rubbing his back and whispering “you matter” in his ear cause he is not feeling the love from you and world.

  • Harriet said:

    I personally don’t think there is anything wrong with this article. Every relationship requires AT LEAST 100% effort on both parts in order to remain successful. The problem arises when one person is giving way less in proportion to the person receiving.

    As a wife, I feel like doing the thing on this list are an obligation that I took on when I said “I do.” I don’t do these things for and with my husband because I’m afraid he’s going to cheat; I do them because I love him. It’s not lip service. My love is outlined in the actions that I take.

    There have been times when I felt like it wasn’t being reciprocated, which made doing that list more of a chore than the passion it normally is. The only thing that resolved it was deep communication between us. If we were unable to do that effectively, we called on our pastors (a husband and wife team) to help walk us through the resentment and misunderstandings.

    He’s going to do what he wants to do. I believe he won’t cheat on me because he loves the Lord, not because I treat him with respect. But if he ever has a brain fart and decides to go down that road, I won’t be sulking, wondering what I did or didn’t do as his wife to make him stray.

    We are of the philosophy that our marriage is a competition. We try our best to outdo one another in giving. Some days he wins; some days I do. But for the most part, we’re tied. LOL

  • ewok said:

    Well Harriet. I guess you told us!…lol. Never too late to learn something and I agree with you 100%. Thanks for your point of view!

  • Gregg said:

    I agree wth most that if a man or woman is going to cheat, there is nothing you can do to stop it. It’s personal, not associated with what “the other” does or does not do.

    btw - I’m sure I saw this topic in Ebony/Essence… LIKE EVERY ISSUE! It seems to me that a majority of women have nothing else to focus their attention on besides men. They get together to talk and it’s about men, and it’s a shame. Men, in our conversation do not talk about women.

    Imagine the following situation ever happening…

    One man talking to another man -

    “Dude, last night I came home and my wife was sitting on the couch with her hands in her panties scratcing. She didn’t cook nothing! I was so mad I could’ve SCREAMED, but I didn’t say nothing. I took her out to dinner, and I HAD TO PAY FOR IT. Can you believe that?

    “Ooooohhh, man-friend, I wouldn’t take that off NO woman! You’s a good one. If my wife did that to me, I’d put her OUT!”

    “I know. All she does is talk on the phone to her friends and watch Sex in the City. What I should do is stop paying the electric bill. That’ll teach her!”

    “Ooooohhh, that’s what I’d do, brother. How’s the sex?”

    “It’s good. That’s why I’m not going to put her out.”

    “Ooooohhh, you said it bro, I HEAR YOU!”

    The above conversation is not going to happen, believe me.

    Misbeehavin said she posted a topic about what men should do to keep their women and 3 only men replied. You know why? Because, men for the most part realize that it’s not in our power to make somebody else happy. You can only focus on you. Good luck to you if you’re waiting for someone to come along to make you happy.

    You ever wonder why, at weddings, women are giddy out of their panties to catch the bouquet, but when it comes time to throw the garter, men are no where to be found? Think about it.

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