FEMOSPHERE

There’s a misconception that, to be a provider, a man must make tons of money. He can be a provider on a $50,000 salary or a $300,000 salary. It’s about his mindset, his attitude towards you and the family that makes the difference. For a man to provide for you, it does not require expensive cars or luxury handbags. My husband and I didn’t merge finances before marriage, so here are some ways that I knew my husband would be a good provider.

1. He’s Chivalrous

Chivalry was originally coined as a knight’s “code of conduct.” It was a standard for men to behave, being noble and courteous. When a man is chivalrous it shows that he values you.

Being chivalrous shows that he is considerate of you. It also takes a certain level of being attuned to his surroundings. For example, does he pay enough attention to his surroundings to realize when you’re walking on the street-side of the sidewalk? That is something very simple but a chivalrous gesture.

2. He’s Dependable

Part of a man wanting to provide for you is that he wants to protect and care for you. If you called him in an emergency situation, would he be upset? Would he rush to your side?

It’s a huge relief to know that I can depend on my man to take care of me and to show up for me. I know that, without a doubt, if there was an intruder or anyone harassing me, he would stand up for me.

Aside from an emergency situation, if I were sick or struggling with something I know that he would do everything within his power to relieve me of it.

3. He’s Responsible

A great way to tell if he has a provider mindset is to see if he’s responsible. Does he follow through with things? Does he keep his word? Having responsibility is very important for finances. Does he spend responsibly?

I wouldn’t want a man who spoils me but gambles behind my back or takes out loans to fund his lifestyle. He has to be responsible, but also feel responsibility for you, for his family.

4. He’s Helpful

I knew my husband would be a great provider when I saw how often he helped his friends and family. He would help his nana set up Christmas lights and hang garland, mow and rake the neighbors’ yards, and he always stopped to help people who were broken down on the side of the road.

My husband being helpful to me is one of the things I value most about him. He regularly vacuums my car, changes my oil, picks up things for me, he’s just willing to lighten my burden whenever he can.

5. He Pays

Last, but certainly not least, he pays. A man who values you and your femininity would not go 50/50 on a date with their girlfriend. He should understand that the male/female dynamic within a relationship can never really be 50/50.

Paying for things shows that he is generous with his money and values me and my time. It’s not necessarily how much he had- though having too little may be an issue- but how he spent it.