Traditionally, women are seen as the fairer sex, which means that they have different societal rules to live by. While it’s socially acceptable for men to be loud and brash in public, women are expected to stay demur and composed. However, there’s always an exception to every rule, and you might be surprised to learn that some men love women who go against the grain. Here are several unladylike behaviors that men secretly love in women.
1. Doing the dirty work.
Typically, when you think of chores like gardening, lawn mowing, or cleaning the gutters, you assume that the man of the house is going to do them. However, men secretly like it when women aren’t afraid to get dirty and help with DIY work. Whether it’s getting a spade and digging a hole, painting the fence, or power washing the house, men appreciate women who aren’t too precious about keeping themselves clean.
2. Being able to handle their alcohol.
Typically, men are expected to drink more than women, so it’s assumed that women can’t handle their alcohol as well as men. However, men love it when a woman can keep up with them at a bar, drink for drink. Perhaps she knows her drink order or has a penchant for craft beer. This shows a carefree, stoic side that men appreciate.
3. Laughing loudly.
Again, because women are expected to be composed in public, they believe they have to be discreet when they laugh. They either need to stifle it or cover their mouth when they find something funny. However, men love it when women can join in on the joke and show their joy in a loud, proud way.
4. Being able to defend themselves.
While women are typically seen as the fairer sex who needs protection, men quite like it when women can defend themselves; while they might not like it if a woman can bench press as much as they can at the gym, they’re impressed when a woman knows self-defense and can hold her own in a physical confrontation. This independence and strength are admirable.
5. Not being worried about what they eat.
Women are often pressured by society to watch what they eat. From social media to beauty companies, the pressure is everywhere, and it’s no wonder there are so many fad diets and exercise routines available. However, men aren’t that concerned; they love watching their other half down as many chicken wings as they can on date night—it shows an attractive, carefree side.
6. Not being afraid to tease.
Typically, when men get together, they tease one another. They give each other grief from their golf handicap to the car they drive, and they aren’t afraid to take it, either. This is why men secretly love it when a woman isn’t afraid to tease them and take it in return. Men prefer this to women who take life too seriously and only want to have serious conversations.
7. Being upfront about what they want.
While men often love the chase and love being able to pursue the woman they are interested in, they also appreciate a woman who’s direct and knows what she wants. Men want to do some of the work—not all of it. While they don’t want to sit through three hours of emotional conversation at two in the morning, they do love it when women tell them exactly how they’re feeling. This way, they don’t have to guess or try to pick up on hints.
8. Sporting the natural look.
While it might be unladylike to be seen without makeup and a blowout, men secretly like it when women keep it natural. Whether it’s first thing in the morning when she’s just woken up and has messy hair or when she’s just worked out and is sweating up a storm, men prefer the natural look to layers of makeup and hair that’s too groomed.
9. Sitting however they want.
While sitting with legs apart and bad posture might not be ladylike, this is surprisingly attractive to the opposite sex. Men like it when women aren’t afraid to sit how they want—it shows that they don’t take life too seriously and are low maintenance.
10. Splitting the check.
Traditionally, men are supposed to pay the bill—especially on a first date. It’s a grand gesture of chivalry, but more women than not these days like the autonomy of paying their way. The good news is that men secretly like women willing to pay for themselves. They’re not afraid to be chivalrous, but they don’t want to be taken advantage of either.
11. Playing sports.
Historically, sports have been a men’s thing—in fact, the Olympics only started allowing women to compete in 1900. While women’s sports have come a long way, it’s easy to assume that men don’t like women who play sports. However, the opposite is true. Men secretly love it when a woman is athletic, talented, and unafraid to show off her skills.
12. Speaking loudly.
Women are typically expected to speak cautiously and use a soft tone. Being loud and brash is usually left to the men. However, men secretly love it when a woman can keep up with the men in conversation. The loudest woman at the bar often gets the most attention because men love to see this kind of confidence in the opposite sex.
13. Making the first move.
Another societal standard that men are expected to follow is making the first move. When they’re interested in a woman, a man is meant to approach her first and show his interest. While women do appreciate this in general, men secretly love it when a woman isn’t afraid to flip the script and start flirting first. Whether at a bar, a cafe, or a bus stop, having the courage to approach a man is an attractive trait.
14. Being passionate about hobbies.
Women can get as excited as men about hobbies—and believe it or not, men secretly love it. You might feel like a nerd for being into Star Trek or going to Renaissance fairs, but if this passion means you’re being your true self, men will find it attractive.
15. Being goofy.
Another thing that men secretly love about women is their ability to be silly and goofy. It’s nice to go out to a nice restaurant for dinner, but it’s just as nice to stay home and have a pillow fight, throw on a silly movie to laugh at, or have a bubble bath. Men love it when women aren’t afraid to let loose and show their silly side.
