Relationships need effort from both sides, but sometimes it can feel like you’re the only one putting in the work.
If you’re noticing any of these signs, it might be a sign that you’re in a one-sided romance. You deserve someone who gives as much as they get, and if they’re not willing to do that, you need to find someone else.
1. You’re always the one reaching out.
If you’re the one constantly texting, calling, or planning to see them, it could be a sign they’re less invested. Communication should flow both ways to show mutual interest. When you’re the only one keeping things going, it can feel exhausting and leave you questioning where you stand.
2. They rarely ask about your day.
In a healthy relationship, both people show interest in each other’s lives. If they seldom ask how you’re doing or show interest in what’s going on with you, it can make you feel overlooked. This lack of curiosity about your life may make you feel like you’re not a priority to them.
3. They don’t appreciate anything you do for them.
You go out of your way to do nice things for them, but it often feels unacknowledged. A partner who cares will recognise and appreciate the little things you do. When appreciation is missing, it can leave you feeling undervalued and taken for granted.
4. You don’t know where you stand.
If you constantly feel uncertain about their feelings for you, it’s often a sign of imbalance. Clear communication should make you feel secure in a relationship. The absence of reassurance can create insecurity and doubts, making it hard for you to relax.
5. They take forever to answer your messages.
When someone cares, they usually respond to messages in a reasonable time frame. If your messages often go unanswered or take ages for a reply, it can feel dismissive. Slow responses can make it seem like you’re not important to them, which can be discouraging.
6. They don’t make any effort to see you.
Source: Unsplash If you’re always the one making plans, but they rarely do the same, it shows a lack of initiative. Both people should want to spend time together and make an effort to make it happen. The absence of this effort may leave you feeling disconnected and unimportant.
7. You feel drained rather than supported.
Relationships should add to your life, not take away from it. If you feel emotionally drained after spending time with them, it may be due to the unbalanced dynamic. This emotional exhaustion often comes when one person feels like they’re giving far more than they’re receiving.
8. Your emotional needs aren’t being met.
In a relationship, it’s natural to expect emotional support. If they seem uninterested in helping you through tough times or don’t provide comfort, it shows a lack of emotional investment. Not having your needs met can make you feel isolated and unsupported.
9. You hesitate to bring up things that are bothering you.
In a healthy relationship, both people should feel comfortable expressing their feelings and concerns. If you avoid sharing your worries because you fear their reaction, it can be a sign they’re not as invested. This hesitation can make you feel stifled and unable to communicate openly.
10. They rarely initiate affectionate gestures.
Small signs of affection, like holding hands or giving a hug, can make a big difference. If they’re not initiating these gestures, it may indicate they’re not fully engaged. The absence of affection can leave you feeling distanced and less connected to them.
11. They only reach out when they need something.
If they mainly contact you when they want a favour or help, it can feel transactional. Relationships thrive on mutual interest, not convenience. This type of selective attention can leave you feeling like you’re just there for their benefit, not because they value you.
12. You’re always accommodating their schedule.
It’s normal to compromise, but if you’re the one always adjusting your plans, it’s unbalanced. A relationship should have flexibility on both sides, allowing both people to feel valued. Constantly accommodating them may leave you feeling overlooked and disregarded.
13. They avoid talking about the future.
A committed partner will usually want to discuss future plans, even if it’s just small things. If they dodge questions about what’s next, it can show a lack of interest in building a future together. This avoidance can leave you feeling unsure of your role in their life.
14. You feel like you’re “too much” for them.
If they regularly make you feel like your emotions or needs are a burden, it’s not a good sign. A partner who’s invested will support you without making you feel like you’re overwhelming them. Feeling like you have to shrink yourself can lead to emotional strain and self-doubt.
15. They don’t try to get to know your friends or family.
Getting to know each other’s friends and family is part of building a deeper connection. If they show little interest in meeting or learning about the people close to you, it suggests they’re not fully committed. This lack of involvement can make you feel like you’re keeping parts of your life separate.
16. You feel lonelier with them than when you’re alone.
If being with them makes you feel more isolated than when you’re on your own, it’s a strong sign of one-sidedness. A healthy relationship should make you feel supported, not lonelier. When they’re present but not fully engaged, it can highlight the emotional gap between you.
