Last Updated on March 6, 2025 by Angela Vaz
Let’s be real—men love attention just as much as women do.
They may not always say it, but the little things you do can make them feel appreciated, desired, and completely hooked on you.
It’s not about grand, dramatic gestures. It’s the small, unexpected moments that make him stop, stare, and think, Wow, she’s incredible.
Maybe it’s the way you touch his arm when you’re laughing.
Or the way you play with your hair while listening to him. Or how you send that one simple text that makes him grin like an idiot.
Want to know exactly what makes a man obsessed with you? Here are 11 little gestures that drive a man absolutely crazy (in the best way).
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1. The ‘Out of Nowhere’ Compliment
Men love compliments, but they don’t hear them as often as women do.
In our society, men often have to pay compliments to women. And I genuinely feel that it should be paid forward.
When you randomly tell him, “You look so good today” or “I love the way you think”, you boost his confidence and make him crave your attention.
My man loves it when I tell him that he smells nice. He takes a lot of effort to always maintain his personal hygiene and he loves grooming himself and spraying on perfume. So, it’s a genuine compliment.
How to Do It Naturally
- Drop a quick compliment in passing, like “That shirt looks really good on you.”
- Whisper something into his ear when you’re out in public (“You smell amazing”)—instant chills.
- Praise him for more than just his looks—men love to be admired for their skills, intelligence, and work ethic. I tell my man I love how organized he is. He has 5 different notebooks for journaling, finance, work, etc and it’s honestly very turning on.
2. The Unexpected Touch
Physical touch is powerful, especially when it’s unexpected.
A light graze, a soft squeeze, or an affectionate nuzzle lights up his brain and makes him crave more.
How to Make It Irresistible
- Brush your fingers across his arm while talking.
- Give him a quick, playful tug on his hoodie when walking together.
- Rest your hand on his thigh while sitting next to him—subtle, but very effective.
3. The ‘I Was Thinking About You’ Text
Men love knowing they’re on your mind. A simple unexpected text makes him think about you all day.
Sometimes, if I see a good book, I’ll click a picture and send it to him saying, “Made me think of you. I think you’ll enjoy this very much.”
Little things like that really help build a relationship.
How to Do It
- Morning Text: “Woke up thinking about you. Hope you have an amazing day ❤️.”
- Random Check-In: “Something reminded me of you today… made me smile 😊.”
- Nighttime Tease: “I wish you were here right now.”
4. The Playful Challenge
Men love a little competition—especially if it comes with some teasing. It builds tension, and flirty banter, and gives him a reason to chase you.
My man is very competitive! And we often play board games together, sometimes even with friends.
Fun Challenges to Try
- Bet him he can’t beat you at a game (chess, video games, trivia—whatever works).
- Challenge him to a taste test (“Let’s see who makes the best pancakes”).
- Tease him when he’s working out (“Bet I could do more push-ups than you”).
Want a fun couple’s game? Get this one!
5. The ‘Lean In and Look’ Move
Men are highly visual—when you lock eyes with him just a little too long, it drives him crazy.
I was surprised when I discovered this trick in my twenties. I had no idea you could make a man weak in the knees just by looking at them.
It works beautifully on first dates as well.
How to Make It Work
- When he’s talking, lean in slightly and lock eyes.
- Hold eye contact for just one second longer than normal, then look away.
- Pair it with a small smile or a lip bite—unstoppable.
6. Take it slow
Men love the thrill of the chase.
If you’re always there, they take it for granted—but when you pull away just a little, it triggers their instinct to come after you.
It’s nice to make him initiate once in a while as well.
Keep a little mystery—don’t share everything at once. Get to know each other slowly. Don’t overshare in the beginning, remember that.
Let the chemistry build slowly.
7. The ‘I Love How You Smell’ Whisper
Why It Works
Men are deeply connected to scent. If you tell him he smells good, it boosts his confidence and makes him associate that feeling with you.
- Whisper it close to his ear (“Mmm… you smell so good”).
- Say it casually while hugging him (“I love your cologne”).
- If he wears a scent you like, ask him what it is—he’ll think of you every time he puts it on.
8. The ‘Soft Giggle at His Jokes’ Move
Why It Works
Men love making you laugh—it makes them feel attractive, funny, and connected.
- Laugh softly and touch his arm when he jokes.
- Playfully tease back—he’ll love the banter.
- Even if it’s not that funny, smile—he’ll appreciate it more than you know.
9. The ‘Let Him Teach You Something’ Move
Men love feeling competent and needed.
When you ask him to show you how to do something, it feeds his confidence and makes him feel valuable.
How to Do It
- Ask him to teach you a small skill (“Show me how to hold a pool cue properly!”).
- Ask for his opinion on something he’s passionate about.
- Let him fix something for you (even if you already know how).
10. The Random ‘I Appreciate You’ Moment
Men crave recognition and appreciation—even for small things.
- “I love how safe I feel with you.”
- “You always make me smile.”
- “I love how you think.”
I love pampering my man with these statements once in a while because his love language is definitely words.
Final Thoughts
Sometimes, the smallest gestures leave the biggest impressions. Try these out, and watch him fall deeper every single day. 💋
Which one are you trying first?
Let me know in the comments! 😊
