For virtually my entire adult life, I've really only been happy when there was a woman in my life. I've been in two LTRs, one of which was my marriage that ended 10 years ago. I don't miss either of them, but I do miss going through life with someone special. But looking back, I'm not so sure I've ever really been "in love" with anyone, but instead needed a woman in my life to validate me as "worthy" and "lovable" and somehow "complete" as a person. I discussed this quite a bit in therapy right after my separation/divorce some 10-11 years ago. In fact, it was my divorce that led me into therapy. My shrink at the time thought that I felt the need to selfishly "take a hostage" - ie, someone to keep around to validate me as a person, take care of me, love me, etc. I mostly agree with that assessment.

I'm wondering if any guys out there feel the same way about validation from women.