We all go through tough times with the men in our lives from time to time. Sometimes these relationship problems are long-lasting, other times, they’re short-lived. Sometimes, they’re enough to break up a marriage… yet other times, we come out of them feeling closer to our guy than we ever did before.

Regardless of any circumstance, and no matter how great of a conversationalist you consider yourself to be, don’t you always wonder what really goes through a guy’s mind when he acts a certain way? Wouldn’t you just love to know what prompts certain actions (you know, the ones that make you wanna strangle him at times)?

Well, now you can!

Olicious Life has gathered a panel of our very own resident everyday guys. We’ve got a team of single, engaged, and married men in their 20’s, 30’s, and 40’s who are excitedly awaiting to respond to all of your burning “What’s he thinking?!” questions.

Please send in your questions to Submissions@OliciousLife.com. If you’d like to write to us anonymously, you may do so through here, AnonymousFeedback.com. If you’d like to chat with ladies, instead, stop by our relationship forum!

Editor’s note: OliciousLife.com or any of our authors or affiliates are not responsible for any action or non-action by the individual whose question appears below. Any information posted in this or any other article or post relating to this or any other question submitted to OliciousLife.com or any of its authors or affiliates are for entertainment purposes only. The below advice is not to be construed as legal advice, marriage counseling, or life coaching, and is not intended as such.

How Do I Keep Him Happy?

This is not just for my benefit, but I was thinking it would help everyone here if we could hear directly from the source how to keep our relationships fresh. I realize this is a job for both the man and the woman in a relationship, but I always try to figure out what I can do to keep my long-term boyfriend happy.

Most of those “Ten Ways to Keep Your Relationship Fresh” lists are written by women, and it would be nice to hear directly from the source — you guys. So, what do you have to say on the topic?

Any Tips on Keeping a Relationship Fresh?

Answer

You’re in love. That heady feeling, butterflies, blushing; the works! The phenomenon of love has left people spellbound since time immemorial. Poets, authors, and even cynics have been enchanted by the miracle of love! And now, you finally get to see what the big deal is about.

All the formerly eye-roll worthy ‘mush’ doesn’t seem so frivolous anymore. Hook, line, sinker! You really are in love.

However, a legendary love story, beginning with star-crossed lovers and clandestine kisses, also had the potential to become a legendary tragedy. If you don’t want to suffer such fate, it’s always a good idea to take a proactive approach by keeping your relationship fresh!

I think it’s especially important to put effort into sustaining your relationship than into beginning it. More often than not, after the initial rush butterflies and giddying hormones, there comes a slack. It’s when your cozy bubble for two bursts that your relationship begins to lose charm. But don’t despair, all is not lost! With a few simple actions, you can get it back on track.

The Key to a Happy Relationship

It’s all about putting in the effort. To know that person, stand by him through highs and lows, and just to be there for him regardless of anything — that’s what all enduring relationships have in common, the two people maintaining unconditional love for one another.

It’s important to really hear your partner, and to be patient. Everyone wants to be heard without any judgment; if you can be that person to your loved one, that alone will go a long way. Regardless of what your guy may say, it’s important to us to know that you love and appreciate us for who we are. Just that feeling of support and unconditional love will go a long way in making your guy realize just how lucky he is to have you.

As time goes on, don’t forget to remind him how important he is in your life. Tiny gestures like a hug, an unexpected kiss, his favorite dinner when he doesn’t expect it — actions like these go a long way in letting us know how you feel, more so than do words.

No matter how “macho” your man may be, he will always melt with a hug or a kiss from his lady. Always remember to take a moment just to express your love — you’d be amazed at how far these tiny gestures can go to keep the romance alive.

Respect

Now that your man is a mainstay in your life, it’s important that you realize that you don’t “own” him. “Having” him doesn’t give you authority over his life. Treat him with respect and acknowledge the fact that he’s still his own person — one who chooses to share his life with you.

Respect him for his decision; remember that he doesn’t “owe” you anything; everything he does, is done because he cares. That mindset alone will go a long way in helping the relationship stay fresh!

Constantly comparing your guy to the latest heartthrob can also be demeaning, yet that’s often done completely mindlessly by so many women I know these days! I believe that’s somewhat disrespectful. Sure, he may be “hot,” but so is Megan Fox — would you want me to keep telling you how incredibly sexy she is every time she’s in a commercial or on the cover of some magazine?

Remember, a bit of respect goes a long way!

It’s also extremely important that you don’t become a slacker in the grooming department now that you got your guy! Just because you’ve been together for a while, doesn’t mean you should stop paying attention to how your hair looks, never wear any makeup, or take care to smell as good as you used to when you first started dating. Keep him on his toes by always looking a little different — he’ll never forget what attracted him to you in the first place that way!

Take Nothing for Granted

Make time for each other! Do your best to keep a “date night,” no matter how many years it’s been since you first met. Enjoying a romantic getaway can be fantastic, but even a stereotypical movie date can be fun — just put some effort into making him feel special and wanted. That’s all any guy really wants!

If you’ve had your share of heartbreaks or unrequited love, you’ll know love can be the pits. But now that you’ve crawled out of it, don’t let it go. Just follow these tips and live happily ever after!