Hi @JaneG,
Thank you for sharing your story with us - it sounds like you are going through a rough time. Please know that you are in a safe space on the forums with a lot of understanding and kind members.
I guess the thing about expectations and needs in a relationship is that they can be very different from person to person. In my opinion there is no right or wrong - I think what is important is that both people in the relationship have a mutual understanding of their needs and wants. My daughter's (who is in her 20s) boyfriend has gone overseas for a week. She wants him to text/ring her in the morning and in the evening. Her boyfriend on the other hand just wants to text her every few days because he wants to focus on his time with his friends. From what I see there is no right or wrong - they just have different needs and expectations for each other. I do think that his response to you expressing your needs re communication is excessive. No one deserves to be called names or yelled at for communicating how they feel.
Maybe you could have a chat with your boyfriend and come up with a `game plan' about what you both want, expect and need from the relationship. Some people need more attention and reassurance than other people and that's okay. Other people on the other hand need more independence and space. I think the key is communication and honesty - if you have those two ingredients I think you are half way to having a great relationship.
Wishing you both all the best,
FloatingFeather
