There should simply be a balance. Both partners want to be spoiled, and both want to spoil the other. So why not have a bit of both ? It's not something hard to achieve, They just have to know how to depend on each other and show each other their weak side instead of both being big heads who like to play the mature role. (fyi, I've never been in a relationship so.. just saying lol)
Ideally, sure. :) but often people take on roles. There is some switching of roles now and then too (in most cases). But as someone else said, honestly, if someone were to take care of and pamper me and not need me to pamper him (or her) back, I would still try to do for him (or her), but it wouldn't bother me at all (so I broke my own generalization about women). Maybe it's not really about feeling needed so much as feeling validated--like the other person notices what you are doing for him (or her).
I get your point :D And I agree on the validation thing, we all get satisfaction not only rom helping others and seeing them happy but also from the agnowlegdment and gratitude we get in return. And when it's someone you love, you definitely want to prove to them that you're a part of their life they can't go without. I wouldn't mind being taken care of all the time too but I think that if you're only pampered you'll probably feel insecure at some point, and start thinking : 'they're always doing everything, won't they get tired of me'.. things like that ? It doesn't mean it's true though. This is what I've learned from manga. (=・ω・=)
<joke> So does this mean that women can't stand having a perfect partner who does everything for them because women need to feel needed, but men are perfectly comfortable being the ones that are always cared for and fussed over as long as they feel they are the only one getting such attention? </joke>
Just kidding. Please don't think I'm making serious generalizations about men being spoiled. (⌒▽⌒)