Our January survey, on what husbands really want from their wives/partners  suggests…..”all we want is to get back to basics.”

1. Trust me, I know what I’m doing.

We get fairly pissed off when the wife and kids challenge us on our DIY credentials e.g. building IKEA furniture  and assembling kids’ bikes on Christmas eve.

Most of us dads just wanted to be left alone (unless there was another adult male around) while we chipped away and totally ignored the instruction manual.

2. Nothing says “I love you” like sex.

All related well (sadly) to the jelly beans in the jar story i.e every time you have sex pre-marriage, put a jelly bean in a jar. Once married, take out a jelly bean every time you have sex…you won’t empty the jar!

3. Affirmation of Accomplishments

Most  like recognition on a job well done.  Compliments are always welcome – just keep it sincere and brief!

4. Don’t try and change me.

What you see is what you get. We get truly pissed when the missus tries to change us. The only person  one can change is yourself.
5. Quiet time

Less chatter, especially after a hard day at the office.  We like it straight to the point. We’ll ask for details  if we want them.

6. Practicality

When it comes to receiving gifts we want practical stuff, especially  stuff that says “we know you”. Most preferred  to receive an experience such as time to play golf (favourite sport) or to simply read the paper/ watch the news without interruption.

Anything that takes us back to our youth is good, damn good.

7. Trust and Respect

The essential foundations of all relationships. No kidding!

8. Thrift

Dads favoured saving money, especially on domestic items.  ALDI stores were a favourite and were seen to save the household up to 35% per week. We’re not tight arses, just   happier to divest that money into family holidays, entertainment and of course a good bottle of plonk.

9. To work less

As we get older we become more cynical about  work. And whilst it serves to provide us money, we become increasingly jaded by the sheer fact we are so dependent on it.

Many felt trapped by work and wanted to spend more time with the family/friends, even if that meant downsizing or re-locating.

10. Less Nagging.

Now this  may be too harsh a description, but we prefer not to be reminded  (to the extent of nagging) about the stuff we should do and probably will eventually do, all in our own time please ladies. We knwo we should do: regular health checks, call the parents, change those torn shorts when we head out of the house,not fart in public or re-adjust the family jewels at school assemblies….and yes, “we will be buying that birthday present (the day before or that morning!)  ……to go on may be construed to some  as nagging!!!!!

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