I've seen many a woman who hops from R to R because she needs the reassurance of a partner.
I agree we handle it differently, but speaking as a people watcher, I don't know that self-reliant is how I would describe it.
As for compliments, there's not a person on this board who doesn't deserve some. For sticking to their convictions, upholding their promises, and doing the soul searching of self-improvement!!!
No doubt there.
I probably did not do a good job describing what I'm getting at.
I think of an instance where a guy is trying to pick up a girl. You guys see through most of the BS most guys try. Men, on the other hand, tend to be much more likely to believe a woman who is complimenting him. We just tend to fall for that much more than women.
No question men and women need to be shown they are loved and worthy of it.