"A woman's mind should be to console her man's mind. She is to do something in the way of making you feel good to go out tomorrow to work. Otherwise, man is outside looking for peace of mind. No man wants a woman home arguing with him." -- Messenger Elijah Muhammad

YOU should always endeavour to take care of your man's physical, emotional and sexual needs. Here are some ways in which can you do this successfully.

Caring for his emotional needs

* Appreciate him. Tell him how great he is, how much you appreciate the little things he does and just how much you love him. Speak highly of him to others, this means not calling up your best friend to tell her about his latest stupid mistake.

* Show him you care by listening to him. Listen to what he has to say. This may include topics that you neither understand nor care about, such as cricket or a new software programme he is working on.

* If you care about him, you will forgive him. Couples need to be able to forgive each other. If you are unforgiving and pursue the mistakes of your partner, then either you will separate or you will have a very uncomfortable relationship.

* Respect your man. Your man comes in contact with different persons during the day while away from home. Some may be impolite, insulting and make him feel less of a man. As his partner, he expects you to show respect and encouragement at home and thereby boost his trampled ego. When he comes home, greet him with a smile and a happy expression.

* A soft answer turns away wrath. Be courteous and polite when you are talking to him. Do not shout. Do not interrupt him when he is talking, and praise him in front of others. Be careful not to humiliate him, do not talk to him harshly, do not abuse him, do not be inattentive to him, and do not call him by any obscene titles.

Taking care of his sexual needs

* Have sex often. While many persons may disagree, you should make yourself available to have sex whenever he wants to! If he wants to have sex every day, take care of him -- unless health doesn't permit it. Even if you don't "feel" like it, it will be worth it. Take care of him, and he will take care of you.

* Take care of you. If you want to keep him home, and want him to desire you often, then keep yourself looking good. Remember how you looked when he first met you? Try to maintain that look. That is what attracted him in the first place and that is what will keep him. Keep yourself in shape and looking sexy.

* Try different sex tricks. While some men may be unreasonable and ask for things outside of your principles, be prepared to meet him halfway, while not compromising your principles. Try new styles and positions and seek out ways to keep him sexually excited.

* Be sexually appealing at home. Rid yourself of those granny-print long dresses and reach for some sexier skirts, short shorts and tank tops while carrying out your daily chores at home. This will keep him focused on you and make him long to come home at the end of a long day. This will also prevent him from getting involved outside though he may encounter numerous attractive women on a daily basis.

Taking care of his physical needs

Having your man both looking and feeling good is the key to keeping him happy and loyal.

* Dress him up. While not trying to change his style, ensure that he is always neatly and tastefully dressed. Like women, men love to know that they have heads turning simply because they are looking good.

* Ensure that he eats healthy. Preparing his meals and taking care of his surroundings is an important part of taking care of your man. Help him to make the right choices in healthy eating and exercising.

-- Donna Hussey-Whyte