I think there's a distinct difference between the two.

While my other half is extremely supportive of me, I don't think he understands my phobia. I know he's gotten over his own fear (I'm not sure if it was a phobia) of needles... but phobias like that are a far cry from emet.

I have a friend who was also supportive and very patient with me, but I have yet to find someone not on this forum who actually understands. Which seems strange to me, because I found two other people who had a phobia of butterflies like I did, but no emetophobia sufferers.

Also, how do you try and explain the phobia to someone? When I've tried, they say 'yes, no one likes being s*' to which I reply, 'yes, but I'm petrified of it and have a totally irrational response'. It always seems to be brushed off.