High maintenance partner

Hi. I am a man in my sixties and was bereaved 15 months ago. I met a loving partner last year but she flies off the handle at nothing. She requires I include terms of endearment such as darling, dear etc in my emails and conversation and she complains that I still don't do it often enough. She is now in a tizz because I said she didnt use such terms much in her emails to me. Cannot take criticism but doles it out. We plan for her to move in with me but I am getting alarmed at the prospect of getting the cold shoulder treatment. On the other hand I cannot abide being on my own and our love is sincere. If I were to dump her we might both face a lonely old age. Incidentally my partner has divorced three husbands in her time, admittedly for good reasons. All comments appreciated.

Hello, I am 16 so I don't know what it's like having a spouse yet, but I am in a very loving relationship so I think I could provide some insight. It sounds to me like she has been through some rough times with her previous husbands. Coming from a female's point of view, I would say she has become so lonely throughout her past marriages that she has gone over the top with making sure you aren't going to disown her like they did. I can understand that feeling and it can make you do things that are a little irrational. My advice, you should definately talk to her about how she is feeling emotinally about your relationship and be a little submissive to her since this may be her weakspot. There is no room for anger in a relationship, I've found. Good luck!

Thanks for your very helpful reply. Such wisdom from one so young is impressive! You are absolutely right in your diagnosis. Since I wrote we have had more ups and downs and nearly broke up (again) but are moving towards an understanding. We need each other. She is currently sorting out some minor health problems so I live in hope of better times.