Ingrid....I am cynical too, Truly! I would say, though, that I am not "bitter," while being cynical...and there's a difference.
Like you, I've never expected a man to "take care" of me. I would think a man would shy away from a woman who needed taking care of!...wouldn't you?!!!

I've never been a clinging type, but I have deigned to question...and therein seems the "rub," as Shakespeare would say....And I questioned tactfully and even gently! I gathered from this that communication was a real issue, and, yes, cynicism has developed.
I think I should PM you.
Patty