<human>: Can you provide a brief rundown of the text in within 3 sentences?

I know no-one wants to have to look after, but there is an epidemic of young people on a student forum I used to frequent, who are genuinely afraid of coming across as clingy or needy, such is the level of repulsion they attribute to this characteristic. 

I value my independence, even though I believe I'm somewhat co-dependent with relationship forums on the Internet, constantly seeking reassurance about X extreme at present... 

At the same time it is nice to be acknowledged for the good things I've done or things which are attractive about me, and have someone say they love me from time to time in a relationship, or to show it in actions. Even to listen to my concerns, although apparently men are not supposed to have problems as according to this forum that too is a sign of neediness and being a pushover. In essence their problems should be resolved before they have even begun, so there is no need to voice them. 

On the extremes of this I have heard about guys being deliberately tested by their dates/girlfriends for neediness-for example their girlfriend threatens to leave them. The only correct response is to appear not to even care about their leaving-and even this is enough to be dumped for being a heartless asshole. It is a difficult situation to navigate. A plethora of 'get your ex girlfriend back' sites discuss this in NC-begging doesn't work, but ceasing to acknowledge your ex's existence might.
<bot>: Apparently neediness in a man is so repulsive and anti-masculine that a man who doesn't 100% have his shit together is an inferior human being. What gives?