Anonymous wrote:Of course. The modern expectation that one’s spouse will meet every one of an individual’s needs is ridiculous and unrealistic. This is what friends/jobs/hobbies are for.

I dont know. As a married person, I'm trying my best to meet my partner's emotional needs. That's hard enough, i dont want friends who expect that from me.

And I'm not sure how a job or hobby would substitute for a partner in terms of meeting emotional needs?

Your spouse sounds extreme, OP.

Mine is more of the strong silent type but he will give a hug or say I love you and appear happy sometimes… ha, I know the bar is low. He will also discuss feelings although he sucks at it. It’s draining but I get my needs met elsewhere.

I think your spouse would have to meet some of them. But not necessarily all.

My spouse meets some of my emotional needs. My friends and family meet some. A couple of years ago, we had a huge fight about him not meeting enough of them(extremely introverted) We are in a very good place now. I am happily married.

It also helps that he has always been a wonderful father and very engaged in running the household activities.