Everyone knows the perfect relationship doesn’t exist – even the happiest relationships are made up of sacrifices and negotiations. But that doesn’t change the fact that everyone dreams about their perfect relationship, where everything goes according to plan and there are never any problems.

It’s not uncommon for a woman to dream of her “prince charming” and her dream home, even if she knows her dreams won’t exactly come true.

But what may be surprising is that men also have these kinds of dreams. They dream of a perfect wife and a perfect life. Your mister might not ask you directly to help him make his dreams be as close to reality as possible, so it’s important that a wife knows them for herself. Here are eight things your husband secretly wants from his wife.

1. He Likes When You Surprise Him

Your husband will appreciate your efforts to surprise him. It can be anything! Prepare him a romantic dinner, take him on an exciting trip or draw his portrait. There are so many options!

2. He Likes When You Are Honest With Him

Men want a woman who is completely honest with them. This might seem practically impossible since everyone has secrets, but men would love to marry a woman who he can trust. Do your best to be honest and open with your mister and he’ll want to do the same in return.

3. He Likes Having Deep Conversations With You

Most men want to find someone to have deep conversations about serious topics with. You should respect his thoughts, discuss interesting books, and play intellectual games with him.

4. He Likes When You Care About Him

When he comes home from a long day at the office, a man wants to be taken care of. That may mean coming home to his favorite meal, getting a long kiss from his honey, and the chance to relax after a long day. Most men will deny this (especially since he knows how hard you work too), but they love the idea of having a woman take care of them so they can unwind.

5. He Likes When You Take Care of Yourself

All men love confident women. When you love yourself, you have confidence in yourself, and he loves to see that in you.

6. He Wants to Know That You’re Happy

Everyone loves a little confidence boost. Men love to hear that their woman is happy – so don’t be afraid to tell your husband how happy you are in your marriage. Your whole relationship will be stronger for it.

7. He Wants You to Trust Him

It can be difficult for women to understand that men need space sometimes. If your husband wants to hang out with his friends, you should let him do it. Trust him and he will trust you.

8. He Likes Being Valued

Men love women who don’t scold them (like their mother used to). Even if he occasionally leaves the toilet seat up, try to be patient and don’t nag too much about it. Instead, find ways to build him up and help him feel appreciated. He does the same for you.

Your husband might not admit to you that he wants these eight things, but he’ll be happier if you can make some of these changes … and your relationship will be stronger from it.