If you think you are in a one-sided relationship, you might need to walk away because it’s the road to misery. Being in a one-sided relationship can leave you feeling like your relationship needs aren't being met because you feel like you are the one doing all the work. Its time to discuss your feelings with your partner if you recognize any of the signs are in a one sided relationship.
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1. You Initiate Communication
You have to initiate text messages and phone calls to him. If you don’t do it, you would never hear from him even if several days have gone by. If you leave voicemails, you have to call back repeatedly because he never returns your calls. Text messages can go unanswered for days because he just doesn’t have time to respond. You may be in a one-sided relationship if you always have to be the first one to make contact.
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This lack of communication often leaves you feeling unwanted and insecure. You deserve someone's undivided attention and if you're the only one investing time and energy into the relationship, it could be time to reassess your worth. Remember, a partnership involves two people actively choosing one another. Don't settle for less than you deserve; a healthy relationship has a balanced exchange of effort and affection.
2. Dates Are Rare
A couple will often fall in a comfortable routine and have plenty of nights watching Netflix wearing pajamas and eating pizza. But many couples will dress up and hit the town on the weekend enjoying each other’s company and socializing with friends. In a one-sided relationship, you are the one that always has to initiate the dates. He never invites you to do fun things even on his days off.
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In a one-sided relationship, the imbalance of effort and attention can be difficult to recognize. One of the most obvious signs is when your partner never initiates dates or fun activities. If you are the one who is always asking to go out, it could be a sign that your relationship is one-sided.
Another sign is that your partner rarely makes time for you. If you’re constantly being put off or your partner never seems to have time to hang out, it could be a sign that your relationship is one-sided.
You may also find that your partner is not interested in your life and does not make an effort to get to know you. If your partner never asks you about your day or what you’re doing, it could be a sign that you’re in a one-sided relationship.
Finally, if you’re always the one who is making the effort to reach out, it could be a sign that your relationship is unbalanced. If your partner never calls or texts first, or if you’re the one who has to plan all of the dates, it could be a sign that your relationship is one-sided.
Frequently asked questions
A one-sided relationship is when one person in the relationship is putting in more effort, time, and emotions than the other. It often leads to feelings of being underappreciated or neglected.
Signs of a one-sided relationship include feeling like your partner prefers spending time with friends rather than you, noticing that they only want to hang out on their terms, feeling like your needs are not as important, and having a partner who rarely includes you in their plans.
While it's healthy for partners to have their own friendships, it's not normal if he always chooses to be with his friends over you, especially if it makes you feel neglected or second-best.
Communication is key. Talk to your boyfriend about how you feel in a calm and honest way. If he cares, he'll try to balance his time better between you and his friends.
If your boyfriend often cancels plans with you to be with his friends, rarely takes you out but goes out with them often, and you feel like you're not a priority, these could be signs that he's too focused on his friends.
3. He Prefers His Friends
When your boyfriend does feel like going out, he doesn't invite you to come along. You ask him to spend time with you but he rejects the offer. He prefers calling up his friends and hanging out with them, leaving you bored and lonely at home. It doesn't bother him that you feel left out of his social circle. He hasn't even introduced you to his friends or for that matter, his family.
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This kind of behavior suggests a lack of consideration for your feelings and a possible indication that he doesn't view the relationship as seriously as you do. It's essential to have a heart-to-heart conversation about inclusivity and where you stand in his life. If he truly values the relationship, he would be excited to introduce you to the significant people in his life. Feeling like an afterthought could be a sign that you're more invested in the relationship than he is, which is not the foundation for a balanced partnership.
4. Short Conversations
Whenever you want to talk to him, the conversations are always short. You are the one that comes up with open-ended questions to try to keep the conversation going. He always seems like he doesn't have any interest in the topic you are conversing about regardless of what it is. He keeps his answers short and they're always one word answers so he doesn't have to talk to you long in text messages or over the phone.
5. Always Missing
If you have a problem going on in your life, he steers clear of you. He ignores any text messages or calls that are about the problem you are facing. You won’t hear from him until you have found a solution to your problem. Guys are often eager to help their girlfriend whenever they have a problem. A guy that isn't invested in a relationship doesn't care if you are dealing with issues and need help to solve them.
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In contrast, a devoted partner typically sees your problems as their own, offering support, comfort, and practical assistance. Being consistently absent during tough times is a red flag, reflecting a significant imbalance in emotional investment. True partnership involves walking through challenges hand-in-hand, not disappearing when the path gets rocky. If you find that you're left alone to weather every storm, it's worth questioning the depth of your partner's commitment.
6. He Doesn't Care about You
You get the feeling that he doesn't care about you because he doesn't show any interest in your daily life. A caring boyfriend always wants to hear how your day is going. He will send funny or thoughtful text messages throughout the day. Your boyfriend doesn't know what is going on in your life on a day to day basis because he never asks.
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When you try to share your feelings or your day, he seems disinterested or distracted. It feels like you're talking to a wall. You notice that when it's his turn, he expects you to be all ears. This imbalance creates a sense of loneliness despite being in a relationship. True partnership thrives on mutual care and interest. If this connection is missing, you might start feeling more like his audience rather than his equal partner in life.
7. Relationship Problems
Whenever you try to talk to him that your relationship needs aren't being met and you feel like you are in a one-sided relationship, he rolls his eyes. He doesn't want to work out any problems that you are having in the relationship. You are the one that has to figure out how to resolve problems because he won’t put in the effort. His I-don’t-care-about-you attitude should be enough to leave this guy in your rear-view mirror.
Ladies this is not the kind of partner that will enhance your life and be willing to commit to a long lasting relationship. What other signs made you realize you are in a one-sided relationship?
Comments
Taija: I am definitely going through this! and this was an eye opener. it's scary how it's all dead-on
Kruger: where was this article when I met my husband ? lol this is sound advice
Ali: Some relationships just run a course and that's that. It's rough, but often we are making more effort or instigating the communication. A good partnership shouldn't feel like much effort and there should be equal exchanges. If you read, "All The Rules" by Ellen Fein, it is the man that should ask you what are your goals, where do you see yourself in 5 years time, that kind of stuff, not the other way round. Some men have a lot to learn.
Sally: I wish I could break up with him :( but we' have so much with each other
Diva: my experience with this topic is that you will find the other person to be selfish. My birthday just past and I had a four day event. I mean you only turn 30 once. the first day his father was sick went to the hospital and he had to pay the bill. fine. I understand that. the 2nd day was my club night and most guys would go with their girl but he said he didn't want to go. fine. the 3rd night was dinner with my family at a restaurant and the big cake moment and he said he didn't have money. I offered to pay for him under the table but he told me no, he didn't feel like a man if he did that. fine whatever. the last day was six flags, and he said he was going to go blah blah blah. he ended up sick with a fever. I checked and stayed home. the bad part was he wanted me to stay home with him too instead of me going out for the last part of my bday weekend. so I have been taking care of him for a couple of days and he asked me to get him some food which I have no problem with. he wanted tacos and since I didn't feel like cooking for the household. so I brought everyone tacos and brought the food to him first. he told me he didn't care about everyone else and that he asked for it and I should go back to get more tacos for everyone else. he took the 12 tacos and walked in the house. as I am writing this he still haven't text me or anything. I don't care. I am over it. hope everyone finds someone who cares about them.
Gaby: I wish this article had been around sooner it would have saved me so much time and confusion. And now it's clear as daylight that he didn't care about me.
Kissmebbylove: oh my God totally going through this
Elizabeth: so needed this! breaking up right now with this guy, mainly because I'm not considered and he never communicates back when I try to address a issue in the relationship. Thank You! this advice helps me stay strong through the break up!
Danielle: What girl would respond after a guy took days to? I'd be like have a nice life a-hole bye ✌️next...
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