For some odd reason this generation of males seem to think it is near impossible to please a girl or make her happy. We girls know we can be complicated, bratty, sassy, indecisive, etc., but it really is not that difficult to make us happy. We know you are not going to be perfect and we know you are going to mess up just as we will do the same. However, we do expect to see effort. If we see you are trying we will more than likely feel happy just because you are trying. So to put it simply for all you males out there who cannot figure out what you need to do, here are five ways to make a girl happy.

1. Call, or FaceTime, or Skype her.

Texting is great and all and we really do love talking to you through text, but sometimes we just need a little more than a screen conversation. Don't wait for her to ask if you can call her, or FaceTime, or Skype -- it doesn't mean as much if we have to bring it up first. For example: you know that she has class until 12, and has some free time before whatever else her schedule entails that afternoon. If you're not busy, call her! Nothing will make her smile more than to see you're calling just to talk and to see how her day is going. If you don't have free time during the day, call her in the morning or before bed. I promise even talking for five minutes will mean so much.

Here is another example: you both have busy schedules and haven't seen each other in a couple of days and it is still going to be a few days before you see each other. More than likely she is missing you and really just wants to see your face, so FaceTime or Skype her! (FYI this is better than texting or talking on the phone. Can you say brownie points?) Just taking a little time out of your day to have a more meaningful conversation than what texting can give will be sure to put a smile on our faces and make us happy girls.

2. Give her affirmation.

Affirmation: the action or process of affirming something or being affirmed; emotional support or encouragement. The majority of us girls need affirmation. We need someone to be our number one supporter and encourage us. If we are pursuing something tell us you support us. If we are struggling with something, encourage us. Tell us we can do it and you believe in us. We like compliments, a lot.

If you think we look pretty, tell us. If we are doing really well at something tell us we are and tell us how proud you are. We also like being told how you feel about us. It is a natural tendency for a girl to sometimes feel like you do not care, like, or love her. Maybe you have a hard time showing your emotions and that's okay. Just keep in mind that we are most likely feeling unwanted and need some reassurance. A few words of affirmation can make a difference.

3. Give her something thoughtful or meaningful.

Now, please do not think this means you need to go buy us an expensive piece of jewelry, a dozen roses, or the new pair of shoes we have been wanting. I mean don't get me wrong we would love those things, but it truly is the little things that mean the most. We love surprises. For example: you know what her favorite candy, drink, and snack is. You could stop by her work and give one of them to her, you could leave it on her doorstep, you could give it to her when you see her next.

Boom. You made your girl happy by spending $5 or less. Maybe you want to give her something a little more meaningful than the first example. No need to worry here is another example: a hand written note or card is super easy, yet meaningful. We love getting things we can keep and hold on to for forever. The note doesn't have to be exceedingly long, although that would be perfectly fine, but just a few words of affirmation would do more than enough. (That covers two, give her affirmation, and three, giver her something thoughtful/meaningful, BTW. You're welcome.)

4. Acts of chivalry.

Chivalry is something that many people will say needs to end because males and females should be considered equal. Therefore, chivalry would not be needed. However, some girls still love when guys put them first and treat them like a princess. For example: opening the car door. It seems silly because we are physically capable of opening the door ourselves, but we truly do appreciate it and think its very sweet. Another act of chivalry is to be picked up for a date. Although it may be easier to meet at the destination, the extra effort made to come pick us up is highly noted and will make us feel special. "Ladies first" is always appreciated (you don't actually have to say "ladies first"). Whether it's letting us be the first to walk in somewhere, ordering first, or having the first sip or bite of something that is being shared, it makes us feel important you put us before yourself.

5. Quality time.

Spending time with a girl definitely shows some form of effort, but how that time is spent is what matters. Really all you need to do is show effort. Instead of always asking what we want to do, plan a date yourself. Even better than planning a date is planning a surprise date; just tell her what to wear and what time to be ready. I promise she will be excited all day.

Now, when it comes to dates it does not always have to be dinner and a movie. Yes, that is good and we appreciate you taking us out, but sometimes it's more fun to do something not so typical. For example: Does she like sports? Take her to a game of some kind. Does she like being outdoors? Take her hiking, fishing, hunting, or Eno-ing. Keep in mind not every date has to be extravagant. Maybe instead of taking her out to dinner, you cook at home or take her on a picnic. Maybe you know of a place with a beautiful view -- take her and spend quality time talking and learning more about her.

Quality time is not limited to just dates. For example: if you need to go run errands or go shopping, ask her to come with you. We love to feel like we are wanted around. While spending quality time with her try to refrain from being on your phone and give her your undivided attention. (GIF disclaimer: you don't actually have to have a mud fight, but they are having a fun time).

Except it really is that simple. Although we seem far too complex, not please-able, and incomprehensible, it's the little things that mean the most to us. We don't have to get fancy things or go on expensive dates; think simple yet meaningful. A few kind words and sweet gestures will be sure to put a smile on our face. Good luck guys!