Pampering your man is not a phrase you hear often. Pampering usually equals women going to the salon or spa for a day of pampering. Pampering you man can be rewarding for both your man and yourself. Pampering him can liven up your romantic life, make him feel special and can be rewarding for him after a long day of work. It is okay to make your man feel like he is king of the house or man of the day, they deserve it!

I’m not speaking of pampering your man by getting him a gift certificate to a local masseuse. I’m talking about pampering him at home. Pampering can include anything from making his favorite homemade dinner to bringing him a warm towel fresh out of the dryer when he steps out of the shower.

Prior to long pampering sessions with your man, be sure the house is kid free or that the kids are in bed. Leave the lights low, TV off and enjoy your time with him.

Run him an evening bath, after a long day of working in the yard, playing hockey or coaching an all day soccer tournament. Light a few candle in the room and turn on his favorite music. Fill up the tub with hot water and use a shower gel for bubbles (yes they love bubbles). Bath and Body Woks has several manly scents, Mountain Frost, Woodland and Glacier Bay. Let him soak and relax in the tub for a bit. After he has relaxed, I take a scrubby lathered up with shower gel and wash every part of his body. I gently massage his back, neck and arms after he has been scrubbed clean. Right before he gets out of the tub, I bring him an over sized towel that I’ve warmed up in the dryer. Don’t be surprised if you end up in the tub with him after he’s had his bath.

Why stop with the bath, he is already naked – so bring him into the bedroom for a full body massage. I have several message oils that I use. I generally warm them in the microwave so they are not cold when applied to his body. Starting with him laying on his stomach, begin by massaging his head, face and ears then move on to his neck, shoulder, back and arms and legs. Pay special attention to any area that feels tense. Move your way down his body. Don’t forget his fingers and his toes. Then have him move onto his back and massage his chest, thighs, calves and feet. If he is not completely relaxed when you are finished, don’t for a second think you will be leaving the bedroom.

Pampering his feet is one of the most relaxing and wonderful things you can do for your man. You will need a basin large enough for his feet to fit in, sea salt, pumice stone, toenail clipper, nail file and a good foot lotion, towels, and his favorite drink, book or magazine.   Fill a basin with very warm water and sea salt.  Lay a towel on the floor in front of his favorite chair and place the basin on the towel.  Take off his socks and roll his pant legs up (or have him take them off) and have him soak his feet it the water for 15 minutes, make sure he has his remote for the TV with him or have his favorite music playing on the stereo.  After his feet have soaked, sit down by the basin and take his foot in your hands and gently scrub it with sea salt.  Next use the pumice stone to gently remove rough skin and callused areas.  Clip his nails and file them down.  After you’ve pampered both of his feet, towel both feet off and have him recline in his chair (if he is in a recliner).  Next, use the foot lotion to give each of his feet a good massage.  Pay special attention to each part of his foot and each toe.  There are many foot lotions available; I prefer a peppermint cooling lotion.  Now allow him to sit back and enjoy the rest of his evening.  Serving him his favorite homemade dessert will top his evening off nicely.

Pampering hands after a long day at the construction site or working with his hands is a welcome relief.  Many men prefer the rough and rugged look for their hands, but many wives prefer a strong soft well manicured hand.  When I give a manicure, I use the same basics I use for a pedicure.  After I’ve finished his nails, I massage each finger and hand thoroughly and gently with a good moisturizing lotion.  Too keep his hands feeling great and not dried out, I recommend Jordan Essentials Camo Lotion Bar for Men.

Serving him dinner is also a lovely idea.  Several nights a week, I aim to make his favorite meals.  I serve him dinner and leave him with time for himself after dinner, as I clean up. Many times men want to go to their man caves after a long day at work.  As our kids are now older, we can also have candle lit dinners and enjoy each other’s company without having to go out to a restaurant.

I try to do some sort of pampering each week.  Since my husband has been laid off, I feel it is even more important for him to feel good about himself and if I can help him relax, I will.  Pampering isn’t just for the ladies; it’s for our men too.

Copyright 2009 by Jane@CM