This one is for all the men out there.

Gentlemen, you know how we women can sometimes seem like a great mystery? How what we say and what we mean can seem like two completely different things? How it sometimes feels like we are speaking a foreign language?

Here is the easiest relationship cheat sheet possible—it really is this simple:

1) When your lovely female partner is having a rough day and is experiencing emotions of sadness, anger or fear, tell her, “It’s going to be okay.”

No other explanation is needed. We love you for trying to be Superman and fix everything that’s not going the way we want in life, but that’s not a burden we want or expect you to bear. Just tell us, “It’s going to be okay,” even if it may not be. This simple sentence shows that you listen, accept, love and support us in a very profound way.

2) When conflicts or misunderstandings arise, the quickest way to mend the rift is to say, “I’m sorry.”

You don’t even need to explain what you are sorry for. It doesn’t mean you are wrong and she is right. What saying “I’m sorry” does is show her your relationship means more than the issue that led to the conflict. It shows your willingness to work as a team and move forward. I promise this will reconnect you both to feelings of love and understanding faster than anything else can. If you need to talk things out on a deeper level when negative emotions have quieted down, great. Just make sure to say “I’m sorry” sooner than later so those emotions don’t fester.

3) Bonus points are awarded for holding her close with either of the above!

When you wrap us up in your strong, loving arms, all seems right with the world again. We feel the bond of love in a physical and energetic way, against which words pale in comparison.

Saying “It’s going to be okay” and “I’m sorry” are really just alternate ways to say “I love you.” That’s it. Mystery solved.

I don’t profess to be an expert in relationships or men, but I have been a woman all my life and married for 17 years.

Here’s hoping I’ve learned a thing or two in that time.

May this simple and heartfelt cheat sheet be of service. If any men out there are up for a challenge, we women would love a cheat sheet too.

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Also, love this guy’s perspective. Funny, yet wise:

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Relephant Read:

Men: Don’t Do This With An Emotional Woman.

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Author: Valerie Byers

Editor: Toby Israel

Image: Simon Wijers/Unsplash

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