What men want, what women want

Steve Lyston, Contributor

Now more than ever, we need to get back to the basics. Marriages are under attack! God's intention was for man to experience the oneness of authentic love and true, genuine relationship. Sexual relationship was meant to be enjoyed by married couples. God created sexual intimacy for the purpose of procreation and a physical symbol of unity. It is to be enjoyed regularly by married couples and avoid the temptation of doing something God did not ordain. It must be maintained in wholesomeness, faithfulness, purity of heart, discipline of eye and consecration of the body (Matthew 5: 27-28; Job 31:1).

What Men Want

Men want peace in their relationships, no nagging. They love good food, and a lot of it, presented well. They also want a good facial from time to time and a weekly massage. (This will help keep them away from a third party). They need women that encourage them and defend their vision and encourage them to work; and when others want to tear them down, they want a woman who will stand up for and with them and defend them - be in their corner. They want a woman who spends their money wisely and is a problem solver - that can take a little, especially in this bad economy, and turn it around. They want a woman who is a good communicator and negotiator who will represent them well. These women must be women of prayer and must in no way be competing with their husbands but work with him in their different areas and work towards one goal for the family. Men like to be able to run their hands through a woman's hair. They want a woman who is well groomed, and they want a woman who will be a good mother to their children and set the right examples for them. They like a woman who is classy, not boisterous. Men like to be complimented on occasion by their wives - letting them know how good they look or how well they might have done something. Men like to be cuddled too, and they love a good head rub! (Songs of Solomon 2:6). The next thing that the men love is found in Songs of Solomon 1:13!

What Women Want

Women want to know that their men care about them beyond sex! They want a genuine relationship that allows them to know that they have security and commitment from their husbands. Women do not want to be compared with other women. Women want their ideas/dreams supported - especially by their husbands. Women want to know that even as they go out to play their role outside the home, their husbands are willing to help within the home setting - share the load. Women want to know that their husbands will help with the children too. Women love to spend time together with each other and have a good time. Women want to have a good time and enjoy banquets and socials. Women want to be fed and treated well by their husbands - fed with apples and raisins and cakes and pleasant things. Women love to smell good - they love fragrances and nice clothes. Women love to communicate! They have a lot to say and they like it when their husbands listen. For a woman, it's how you say what you say to her that counts. Some may feel rejected when at a certain age they don't have children. Never tell a woman she is barren! Many good women take a while to conceive - the Hannahs, the Rebeccas and the Sarahs! Never forget birthdays, anniversaries or other special occasions - you will not live it down! So ensure that you stockpile a lot of gifts! Remember this, a woman is not finished after she has children, she is just beginning to walk into another dimension of who she is. So, never let her feel rejected after having children; that is the time to celebrate her. Women like to be celebrated.

Finally, when problems arise, always remember that man was formed, woman was made. Men and women are built differently, with different roles, so different approaches are needed - but for one goal!

It is time for us to rebuild the family!

Steve Lyston is a biblical economics consultant and author of several books, including 'End Time Finance and The New Millionaire'.