How did those previous relationships work out for you? Stop comparing your current relationships to the relationships of other people, and stop comparing your current boyfriend to your previous boyfriends. He is not the same as they are, therefore his needs are different than theirs. He is blatantly telling you what he needs from you, which is something so many people wish their partner would articulate more, and here you are complaining about it instead of doing something about it. If you and your boyfriend want to stay together, then you are going to have to compromise. If you want this relationship to be successful, you need to bend a little. He also needs to do the same for you, so maybe you two can come to a compromise together. You should talk to him about how you feel. Using "I feel" statements. Explain to him what you want and need from him in order to feel secure and happy in your relationship. Then ask him what he needs from you. And then DO IT. Stop complaining to strangers on the internet, and start enjoying yourself and your relationship. If your boyfriend needs to hear you tell him how you feel about him, why the hell wouldn't you do it? Doesn't it feel nice when the person you love tells you how much they love you, and how happy they are to be with you? Why wouldn't you want your boyfriend to feel good about that?
Who cares what other friends of yours say or do with their partner, it doesn't matter. You are not living their relationship, they are. Who cares what your previous boyfriends did, or didn't do, while you were together? They aren't with you now, so stop comparing the past with your present relationship. If your current issues in your relationship are insurmountable for you to overcome, and if you and your boyfriend cannot give each other what you need, then maybe it's time to sit down and re-evaluate your relationship. Maybe this isn't the relationship you both need, even though it may be the one you want right now. Being with another person means giving them what they need, and if neither of you can do that, this relationship won't survive.