Are you putting effort into your relationship without getting anything in return? It’s common and perfectly okay for couples to experience ups and downs in their relationship. What’s never okay, though, is for one person to be putting in all the effort. These kinds of relationships are frustrating and can easily take a toll on your mental health.
If this sounds familiar, you might be in a one-sided relationship.
A one-sided relationship often lacks the healthy balance required for the relationship to be stable whether that be the amount of effort, energy, communication, emotionally, or financially. One individual is working harder than the other to make things work and keep the relationship afloat, but the meaningful connection begins to dissolve because the imbalance is only sustainable for so long.
To clarify, balance does not mean everything in the relationship needs to be split equally in order to function. It means that whatever balance may look like to the relationship—it was decided by you and your partner. Loneliness, resentment, anger, and other emotions begin to surface in one-sided relationships because it was not a decision you and your partner made together. Relationships are about the give and take—compromise—and require such to function properly.
If you’re not sure of the status of your relationship, keep reading. Below are 9 w.a.r.n.i.n.g signs that indicate your partnership is a one-sided one.
1. It’s always a one-sided conversation
When you’re in a relationship, communication is the best way to keep the spark alive. From sharing your day to day happenings to discussing your family problems, it is what makes you come closer to each other and keeps the bond strong and alive. However, if the conversation between you and your partner is always one-sided and if you are the one who is always initiating the conversation, then it’s time to take a second look at your relationship.
2. You have to make excuses and justify his/her actions
If you’re in a one-sided relationship, more than a lover, you become your partner’s spokesperson. For every mistake they make, for every awkward situation they create and for every family event they miss, you have to make an excuse and/or justify their actions. You have to take all the responsibility to safeguard your partner’s reputation and keep your loved ones happy too. Not only is it stressful, but it is also exhausting.
3. You apologize for everything
Are you always the one to apologize, even when you’re not the one at fault? Then that’s the biggest sign of a one-sided relationship. Love is all about feeling loved and comforted by your partner in times of distress, but when you’re in a one-sided relationship, your partner will make you feel sorry for every small thing you stress over, be it your emotional self or the stressful thoughts you can’t avoid. Instead of making you feel better about yourself, your partner will ask you to toughen up and sweep the matter under the carpet.
4. They put their friends before you
Priorities make a lot of difference in a relationship. It can tell you how dedicated your partner is towards you. In case your partner is always making plans without you or are putting their friends above you, then you are surely in a one-sided relationship. A person’s priorities speak volumes about who they respect and who they love. If you aren’t their first choice then being the second on their priority list does not make a difference at all.
5. They’re never interested in discussing issues
Relationships are never perfect. There are hundreds of problems that arise every day and it takes a lot of effort to overcome them. Therefore, it becomes crucial to discuss these problems and communicate. However, if you’re in a one-sided relationship, your partner will hardly care to talk about them. They will show no interest in overcoming these relationship problems and will instead run away from them.
6. They never check up on you
A simple ‘How are you?’ or ‘How was your day?’ can make a lot of difference in a person’s life. If you’re in a one-sided relationship, your partner will hardly care for your well-being and will never take a moment to ask you the same. He or she will never raise concerns about the problems you are going through or care to know if you have something to share with them.
7. You constantly feel insecure about your relationship
Insecurity arises out of doubt. Sometimes, you already know that you’re in a one-sided relationship but do not want to believe it. You look away from the signs and constantly feel insecure about your relationship. You look to people for validation instead of talking it out with your own partner. It’s high time you accept what’s coming and be strong.
8. They Hide Their Bad Habits
Has your partner taken up potentially dangerous habits recently, despite knowing that you don’t approve? Are they using drugs, smoking, or drinking heavily? This kind of behavior shows a lack of consideration for you and your feelings. They should be working to foster growth, not making choices that have the potential to put a strain on the relationship.
9. There’s No Intimacy
Has your partner lost interest in $ex? If you are still having it at all, does it feel mundane and devoid of emotion? What about other forms of intimacy? It is normal for partners to have Sex less frequently after they’ve been together for a while, but do you connect in other ways? For example, does your partner ever show any physical signs of affection like cuddling or holding hands? Do you share an intellectual connection over certain books or movies?
If you and your partner are no longer intimate and they don’t seem interested in trying to rekindle things, your relationship is probably a one-sided one.
References: timesofindia.indiatimes.com, nayaclinics.com
