What I have wondered at times/situations is this: How much of said request/demand is an actual need vs. an unrealistic expectation? -
And-Is it possible the two things overlap one another? Everyone has needs. Your boss needs you to do certain for your job, for example. Your partner wants to spend a certain amount of attention time with you. But at what point does a basic need turn into an unrealistic expectation? Or an expectation you are not feeling up to...
Honestly, I just have days that I want to be left alone and I want some peace and quiet. Not everyone understands that need and some of us seem to need that more than others, like my dad. He was that way. My mom almost the complete opposite.