To be sincere, everyone is different, there are people who want more that just the presence, but also they "shiny things". And in that case, it becomes pressure! Pressure to get the latest tech, latest outfits, latest or flashy cars, expensive jewelries....and these persons need to see this to confirm for themselves that they'll be validated and taken care for. People even go as far as letting their partner abuse them as long as they are being taken care of and feel secure even when it's a lie.

When "all the shiny things are" gone....??

Let's take the universe for example, major living things needs light to survive; humans, animals, plants even micro life. Without the shiny things like sun, moon and stars, life would be change, do the same way in real life, though not chaotic, shiny things are important in a relationship.

Many relationships even without the media, public displays of affection and large dates and proposals, still failed. For me it's all about intention; being willing to do what is legally and socially acceptable to do do in a relationship especially by the both partners.

If they can't learn to live with their differences and imperfections, qualities such as respect, values, trust, understanding and efforts would be a waste if none of the partners are willing to show it.

Can you say to your partner I don't need you because there are many out there who can do what you did and even more? If not great! If yes, that means no one is actually validated and all efforts would be *throwing water at the back of a chicken, building on shallow sand.

Minimalism is good. Thinking out of the box is good. We need a little if not some of the shinny things to build a strong relationship, because care needs money. You won't have time for your partner of you're broke and have to work Everytime.