The Need To Be Needed

Introduction:

Humans naturally crave emotional connection and validation as social creatures, particularly in romantic relationships. Feeling needed by a partner is a critical component of a healthy and enduring partnership, as it reinforces the emotional connection and mutual admiration between the partners.

However, when one or both partners feel unappreciated or unimportant in the relationship, it can cause feelings of loneliness, detachment, and bitterness. This discontent can lead them to withdraw emotionally and, in some cases, physically from the relationship. Eventually, the absence of emotional connection and satisfaction can result in the partnership’s end.

Risk of becoming too needy:

While feeling needed by your partner is important, it’s essential to maintain a healthy balance. Excessive neediness can be harmful to a relationship, as it can lead to unhealthy codependency. When neediness becomes excessive, it can lead to problems and even make the relationship a nightmare.

Codependency is a relationship dynamic where one person excessively relies on their partner for emotional, physical, or financial support, often to the point of neglecting their own needs and well-being. It can be dangerous because it creates an unhealthy balance of power in the relationship, with one partner overly dependent and the other feeling burdened and overwhelmed.

A codependent relationship can be harmful as it involves a person relying too heavily on their partner for constant attention and validation. They may compromise their interests, goals, and boundaries to maintain the relationship. This can lead to negative emotions such as resentment, anxiety, and low self-esteem.

Another example is financial codependency, where one partner relies entirely on the other for financial stability, and the other feels trapped and unable to leave the relationship due to financial obligations.

How to Make Your Partner Feel Needed:

Making your partner feel needed is a constant responsibility that requires effort around the clock. There are countless ways to do it. Here are a few suggestions to guide you in helping your partner feel valued in various aspects of your relationship:

Romantically: 

Romance plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy and joyful relationship. It ignites the flame of love and builds a stronger emotional connection between partners. When partners engage in romantic actions, they convey their love, affection, and admiration, which can further strengthen their bond. Some simple ways to show romance include:

• Physical touch.
• Planning special date nights.
• Surprising your partner with a thoughtful gesture such as bringing their favorite food or giving them a small gift.

Sexually: 

Physical intimacy in a relationship is critical for maintaining a strong emotional bond between partners. Chemistry/Passion is one of the two essential components that keep them together, the other being compatibility. Both partners should initiate sexual interaction to show that they are equally committed to fulfilling each other’s needs and desires, thus fostering balance in the relationship.

Communication is also crucial, allowing partners to openly express their sexual preferences without fear of being judged. Neglecting sexual needs can lead to dissatisfaction and cause the relationship to break down – or result in infidelity.

Socially:

Involving your partner in your social life is essential to make them feel valued and included. You can do this by inviting them to social events, proudly showing them off in public, and displaying affection or appreciation publicly. Remember to prioritize spending quality time together as well.

Emotionally:

Emotional interaction and support are crucial for a healthy relationship. This involves showing compassion and support during both good and bad times, sharing responsibilities, and offering advice and help to each other. Emotional support helps both partners feel cared for and fulfilled, leading to a stronger and more lasting partnership. Neglecting emotional needs can result in feelings of loneliness and detachment, ultimately harming the relationship.

Practically: 

To make your partner feel needed in practical aspects, you can share household responsibilities, ask for their help and input, and make joint decisions together. This interaction will make your partner feel valued and respected, leading to a stronger bond and a more fulfilling partnership.

Conclusion:

In any healthy relationship, it is important to feel needed and valued by your partner. However, it is equally important to maintain a sense of independence and avoid becoming overly needy or codependent. Both partners should make it a point to make each other wanted, desired, and appreciated in the relationship. Partners can achieve this by performing acts of kindness, making thoughtful gestures, and openly communicating about each other’s needs and desires. By nurturing a sense of mutual appreciation and respect, partners can build a strong and lasting connection that withstands the ups and downs of life.