When Others Can’t Meet Our Needs

We all carry needs into our relationships. Some are simple—like wanting a friend to notice when we’re exhausted. Others are deeper—like the need to feel safe, respected, or seen for who we are.

But here’s the hard truth: sometimes the people in our lives can’t—or won’t—meet those needs. And when that happens, we’re left with the ache of disappointment.

It seems we all have this irrational (in REBT terms) belief that everyone, at every time, should fulfill our needs. Irrational, because life simply doesn’t work that way. People are limited. They have their own histories, fears, and priorities. They don’t always show up how we want them to, even if they love us.

In Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), irrational doesn’t mean “crazy.” It means a rigid, unrealistic demand we place on ourselves, others, or the world. Instead of saying, “I’d really prefer if my friend supported me this way,” the irrational belief sounds like, “They must meet my needs, always—and if they don’t, I can’t be okay.” That belief sets us up for frustration and resentment.

A Story: The Weekend Hike

Imagine you’ve been planning a weekend hiking trip with a friend. You’ve mapped the trails, packed the snacks, and imagined the laughter and connection. But on Saturday morning, your friend cancels at the last minute—they’re tired, stressed, or simply overwhelmed.

Your first thought might be, “They shouldn’t do this. I counted on them. This ruins everything.”

That’s the trap of the irrational demand. You’re treating your expectation as a standard—turning a disappointment into a measure of worth or love. But when you pause, you realize: your friend has limits, just like everyone does. Their inability to meet your expectation once doesn’t erase the bond.

But what if it happens again? And again? If a friend repeatedly cancels plans or misses opportunities to support you, it stops being a single disappointment and becomes a pattern. Patterns matter—they’re signals that a boundary might need to be set or that the relationship isn’t aligned with your non-negotiable standards.

Here’s an important nuance: Sure, we often think this framework of managing needs and boundaries works for our close friendships. But with romantic relationships, many of us have a visceral reaction to the same idea. That’s because we’re bumping up against an old myth: that our romantic partner should be everything to us. Even if we intellectually reject this notion, it’s so pervasive in society that we can’t escape feeling it sometimes. And when our partner doesn’t meet a need—or fails repeatedly—that myth triggers disappointment, frustration, or even guilt.

The Shift from Irrational to Rational

REBT teaches us to hold needs as preferences rather than rigid demands:

• Irrational belief: “My friend or partner must always meet my expectations, or it means they don’t care about me.”

• Rational belief: “I really want the people I love to meet my needs. If they can’t, it’s disappointing—but it doesn’t define my worth or the relationship. If it becomes a repeated pattern, I can take thoughtful action to protect myself.”

This shift doesn’t minimize our needs. It gives us freedom. Once we release the demand, we can choose how to respond thoughtfully instead of reacting with anger or passive aggression.

What to Do When Needs Aren’t Met—Especially Repeatedly

1. Express Clearly, Without Testing.
   Instead of hoping someone will guess what you want, communicate openly: “I was really looking forward to our hike. Can we plan another day, or should we adjust expectations?”

2. Discern Needs vs. Preferences.
   Not every unmet expectation carries the same weight. Essential needs—like respect, honesty, or emotional support—should be upheld; preferences, like timing or small gestures, may have more flexibility.

3. Check Your Standards: Patterns Matter.
   Repeated missed commitments are different from a one-time slip. When someone consistently fails to show up or follow through, it may indicate that your boundaries are being crossed. Boundaries are the lines that protect your well-being and values.

   Here’s the nuance:

   • Preferences are flexible—like wanting a friend to text back quickly or hoping a colleague will help. These are nice-to-haves, not essential for your emotional safety.

   • Standards are non-negotiable—like expecting honesty, reliability, or mutual respect. They reflect your integrity and what you will not tolerate over time.

   When a pattern emerges of repeated missed commitments, your standards remain firm. One missed plan might be disappointing but forgivable. Repeated patterns are a signal: it’s time to reassess, communicate clearly, and decide how much energy to invest in the relationship moving forward.

4. Find Other Sources of Support.
   If one person can’t consistently meet a need, seek support elsewhere. Friends, community, or self-care practices can help you meet your needs without compromising your dignity or over-relying on one person.

5. Take Thoughtful Action.
   Patterns are data. They tell us whether the relationship supports our well-being or whether adjustments—like redefining the relationship, setting limits, or investing elsewhere—are needed.

The Deeper Work

Every time a need isn’t met, we’re invited to look inward: Are we demanding perfection from another human? Or are we honoring our values while responding to reality?

Freedom begins the moment we loosen the irrational grip that others must fulfill our needs at all times. From there, we navigate relationships not from entitlement, but from clarity, compassion, and personal power.

When we notice repeated patterns of unmet needs, we don’t lash out or withdraw silently. We respond consciously, set healthy boundaries, and seek solutions that protect our integrity—while still nurturing connection where it’s possible.

Work With Me 1:1

If you’re ready to stop silently testing people, release the frustration of unmet expectations, and start setting clear boundaries that honor your needs and standards—especially in romantic relationships—I can guide you.

Through 1:1 coaching, we’ll uncover the patterns keeping you stuck, help you express your needs with confidence, and create a roadmap for relationships that feel respectful, connected, and aligned with your values.

Your needs are valid. Your standards are non-negotiable. And you don’t have to navigate this alone.

✨ Let’s work together to reclaim your clarity, power, and peace in your relationships.