Most people who want or need to be taken care of, do like the person they're with. It may seem to some, a superficial, hedonistic attraction, but is it really all that much different from the Cinderela fantasy many women (and some men) have of being swept off their feet by a handsome and wealthy prince or princess?
Other people have the fantasy of being the white knight rescuer and are primarily attracted to partners who seem to need and/or want rescuing.
We tend to admire the rescuers and abhor the weak who need rescuing (unless they're very beautiful), but the need to contol and care for and the need to be controlled and/or taken care of aren't exactly rare in our culture (although it's generally more acceptable for men to be the rescuer and financial provider and for women to be in need of care and/or rescue).
It isn't always about money and material possessions, but what they symbolize. Sometimes it's about safety and security. The "Cinderellas" of the world don't believe in their own ability to make their way in the world on their own merits. They want someone braver, stronger, more confident, and wealthier because they perceive themselves as weaker. To feel safe, they need to feel taken care of.
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