I (F51) have been in relationship for 1.5 years with a very respectful and considerate guy (31) who moved to this country 8 years ago.

We are not exclusive. We don't live together. We spend every other weekend together, since the day we met. This is his first serious relationship. He struggles to meet women/date. I have multiple romantic relationships (solo poly) since my divorce.

After the first few months of the relationship, I noticed he did not compliment me & wasn't affectionate verbally.

I communicated gently that is a need that I have and the lack thereof leaves me feeling like I'm not attractive to him. Instead of saying "oh I'm so sorry, I want you to know I think you're beautiful " he said he's just not comfortable giving compliments or being affirming emotionally.

And I had to cajole it out of him that he does think I'm attractive. I liked him a lot so I thought I could maintain the relationship without.

Fast forward a few more months, no change.

I guess I'm just looking for some validation. Those are both big issues, and they would be to anyone, I'm not just being too needy, right?