Is needing a requirement?

For almost two decades my Husband has been trying to convince me that I am abnormal because I would not agree with his stance on this. He says that being needed is a major foundation of a relationship, and that a couple stays together because they *need* each other. I say that it is much better to stay together because you choose to be together, if you are only together because of *need* your relationship will fall apart. Any thoughts?

I would say (and this is me personally here), that having a bit of both makes the best relationship. However, to each there own. Some people might be better with one over the other. However, I believe that if there's a mix of both choosing to be there and feeling like you need the person is best.

Like I said though, that's just my personal opinion.

Need isn't necessarily a requirement, but want is a big component. Stronger desire for one another generally transfers itself to a closer, stronger relationship. Your husband is right that need would lead to a stronger relationship because need leads to want. Relationships, whether they be as friends, lovers, familial, in which there isn't a very strong desire nor need for the other person's presence generally lack the strength and closeness in which there is.