my dying plant

I have this plant. It tries to die about once a week. I water it when it needs it, seemingly ever couple of days, and I try not to overwater, etc etc. Yet, once a week or so it goes totally limp, looks horrible, and then perks up a couple of days later if I give it lots of attention. Is my plant like my 2 year old? Demanding attention? If I could remember the name of this strange plant, I would tell you, but it is one of those lating words that I don't remember well!