This is a preview of the Shortform book summary of What Men Wish You Knew by Jarred Jameson.
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Developing Self-Assurance and Self-Awareness

This section explores how cultivating self-confidence and self-awareness can draw a desirable partner to you. The core message is that authentic confidence comes from embracing your unique qualities, having clear objectives, and valuing yourself. This approach will naturally attract men who are secure and appreciate you for who you are, while repelling those who are insecure or seeking to manipulate.

Embrace Uniqueness to Find Your Ideal Partner

Jameson emphasizes the importance of being genuine and showcasing your authentic self rather than attempting to align with societal expectations or imitate others. He explains that individuality and passion are attractive to men, as they reflect confidence and self-assurance.

Avoid Being Generic and Conformist

Jameson suggests that you avoid striving to be "just like everyone else". He likens it to choosing a dessert: if all you see are vanilla varieties, an unexpected flavor like Rocky Road stands out as more interesting and appealing. In the dating world, conformity can make you blend in with the crowd, while embracing your unique preferences and interests will make you memorable. He emphasizes that confidence is key—when you possess a strong sense of self, you don't need to copy others; your individuality becomes an asset. A man who is grown and open to new ideas will value your authenticity and find it refreshing.

Other Perspectives

  • There is a balance to be struck between individuality and conformity; complete non-conformity can be as limiting as complete conformity.
  • Being memorable for one's uniqueness does not guarantee positive attention; it can also attract negative judgment or misunderstanding.
  • Confidence without competence can be misleading, as it might encourage a person to avoid seeking necessary guidance or feedback.
  • A strong sense of self might sometimes be perceived as arrogance or self-absorption, which could potentially alienate others.
  • In certain cultures or social contexts, conformity and adherence to traditional roles may be valued more highly than individual authenticity, even by mature men.
Clarify Goals to Demonstrate Passion

Jameson argues that having defined goals and expressing passion for your interests is crucial for attracting the right type of man. Nobody desires a partner who lacks direction or life goals. When you have goals and pursue them with passion, it signals that you are driven and motivated, which is an attractive quality to men. He explains that men seek people on a similar path, who are equally driven and motivated, and with whom they can share their aspirations. Sharing what excites you also demonstrates your capacity for deep feelings, which translates to enthusiasm in romantic relationships. Conversely, a lack of passion in other areas of life suggests a similar lack of passion in lovemaking. Identify your goals, whether it's pursuing a career, creative expression, or starting a side hustle. Share these aspirations with possible partners to gauge their reaction. A worthy partner will encourage your ambitions, while someone who dismisses or minimizes your aims isn't deserving of your time.

Other Perspectives

  • Attraction based on shared goals and passions might limit one's dating pool and the opportunity to learn from partners with different perspectives and life experiences.
  • A partner who lacks specific life goals might bring other valuable qualities to a relationship, such as flexibility, spontaneity, and the ability to live in the moment.
  • Pursuing goals with passion may indeed signal drive and motivation, but it is not universally attractive to all men, as individual preferences vary greatly.
  • The statement does not consider that some men may prioritize emotional connection and compatibility over shared levels of ambition.
  • Sharing personal excitement can indeed indicate emotional depth, but it is not the only way to demonstrate such capacity; some individuals may express deep feelings through actions, support, or empathy rather than overt enthusiasm.
  • Some individuals compartmentalize their lives, meaning they might be intensely focused and passionate in their professional life but prefer a calm, stable approach to relationships.
  • Some people may have private goals that they prefer to keep to themselves due to personal reasons or past experiences where sharing did not lead to supportive outcomes.
  • Some individuals may feign interest or support in the early stages of a relationship to appear more compatible, which can lead to false positives when assessing a partner's reaction.
  • While encouragement is important, a worthy partner also provides constructive criticism to help you grow and improve.
  • Dismissing or minimizing aims could sometimes be a partner's misguided attempt to protect you from potential disappointment or failure, rather than a sign that they are undeserving.
Boost Confidence By Valuing Yourself

Jameson emphasizes that feminine confidence acts as a shield, protecting you from insecure, manipulative, or abusive males. He highlights that women build confidence by recognizing their inherent value and personal worth, regardless of external validation. This means having the self-assurance to meet men's gaze, knowing you deserve a healthy and fulfilling relationship.

Developing confidence in your femininity requires internal work. Focus on your strengths and accomplishments, cultivate self-compassion, and avoid seeking validation externally. Dress to reflect your self-respect, set and achieve goals, and prioritize your well-being through exercise and nutritious eating. As you become more self-assured, you'll attract men who are secure and confident in themselves, while filtering out those...

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What Men Wish You Knew Summary Presenting Yourself Attractively

This part focuses on presenting yourself authentically and attractively. Jameson emphasizes that drawing the ideal partner involves presenting yourself to reflect your value and self-respect, without resorting to provocative tactics.

Dress to Impress, Not to Entice

Jameson advocates for dressing smartly and with style rather than relying on provocative attire to capture attention. He argues that while provocative dressing may attract particular kinds of men, it won't lead to the kind of relationship most women desire.

Provocative Dressing Attracts Wrong Attention

Jameson argues that dressing provocatively generally attracts men seeking casual encounters, not long-term commitment. It sends a message that you're seeking attention based solely on your physical attributes, rather than your personality or character. He acknowledges that people frequently resort to provocative dressing due to insecurity or a belief that it's the only way to attract attention.

He cautions against falling into this trap, emphasizing that true confidence comes from within and doesn't depend on revealing clothing. By dressing authentically and stylishly, you project self-respect and attract...

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What Men Wish You Knew Summary Comprehending Men's Psychology and Actions

This section delves into the complexities of male psychology, exploring behaviors that women often find confusing or frustrating. Jameson aims to provide insights into these actions, emphasizing that knowing male behavior can help women navigate relationships more effectively.

Recognize and Empathize With Common Male Tendencies

Jameson discusses common male behaviors that can frequently cause confusion or frustration in relationships. He argues that these behaviors, such as zoning out during conversations or glancing at other people, are often involuntary and not necessarily indicative of malice or disrespect.

Involuntary Zoning Out and Looking At Women

Jameson addresses two common male behaviors that women often find irritating: zoning out during conversations and glancing at women. He explains that males might involuntarily zone out, not due to disinterest, but because their brains process information differently. He acknowledges that women seeking to communicate may find this frustrating, but suggests understanding this difference and giving men the space they need to process their thoughts.

Regarding the tendency to gaze at females, Jameson attributes this to...

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What Men Wish You Knew Summary Navigating Relationship Dynamics

This part emphasizes the importance of establishing healthy boundaries, fostering open communication, and prioritizing trust and emotional intimacy between partners. Jameson discusses common pitfalls to avoid and strategies to adopt to sustain a resilient, fulfilling partnership.

Establish Healthy Boundaries and Communication

This part focuses on two crucial elements of maintaining a healthy partnership: establishing boundaries and fostering candid communication. Jameson highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing problematic behaviors, such as obsessiveness, and promoting direct and honest communication to navigate challenges effectively.

Avoid Obsessive Behaviors That Push Partners Away

Jameson cautions against obsessive behavior, emphasizing that it may be a major turnoff for men and can undermine the trust and security in a relationship. He differentiates between jealousy that's healthy, which naturally arises in response to perceived threats, and unhealthy obsessiveness, which involves intrusive behaviors such as constant monitoring, checking phone records, or social media stalking.

He suggests that obsessive actions can stem from insecurity or a...

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Shortform Exercise: Embracing Uniqueness and Self-Assurance

Explore how embracing your unique qualities and developing self-assurance can impact your relationships.


How do you express your individuality in everyday life, and why is it important to you?