Partner flirts via text, causing relationship uncertainty

A person wrote to Dear Abby about their partner texting another woman. The partner claims it is just harmless flirting for the attention he craves. The writer is confused and hurt, especially since their relationship was improving before this discovery. Dear Abby responded with empathy and advised that the partner's behavior indicates insecurities. She emphasized that needing validation from others is unhealthy. Abby also hinted at a potential honesty issue with the partner. She suggested that contacting the other woman might help clarify the situation. This could assist the writer in deciding whether to stay in the relationship or move on.