Love isn’t always balanced and equal, that’s for sure.
And while it’s not the end of the world, it definitely stings to think (or know!) that you love your partner more than they love you. Of course, there’s no specific way to measure this. Sometimes it’s just a feeling, other times it’s a conclusion you draw based on their actions. If any of these sound familiar about your partner, you might be giving more than you’re getting.
1. Special dates slip their mind.
You remember every milestone in your relationship. They forget your anniversary until Facebook reminds them. You know their mum’s birthday by heart, while they barely recall yours. Their important dates live rent-free in your mind — yours don’t even make their calendar. The sting of each forgotten date gets harder to ignore.
2. Their phone matters more than your stories.
You save all your best stories for them. Their eyes stay glued to their screen while you talk. Getting their full attention feels like winning the lottery. The scroll thumb never stops, no matter what you’re sharing. Your words fade into the background noise of their notifications.
3. Plans always bend to their schedule.
You rearrange your whole week just to see them. Their plans are set in stone, while yours stay flexible. Last-minute cancellations come without real apologies. Your schedule always adjusts, never theirs. Your time has become the relationship’s currency.
4. Your gifts collect dust.
Every present you give has a story behind it. They grab whatever’s convenient at the last second. That meaningful gift from months ago hasn’t been touched. Their thank-yous feel empty and automatic. Each thoughtful gift becomes another reminder of the imbalance.
5. They never text first.
Your morning texts go unanswered for hours. The conversation dies unless you keep it going. You’re always the one checking in, making plans, staying connected. Their replies feel more like obligations than interest. Your phone’s become a waiting game you always lose.
6. Future talk makes them squirm.
You’re planning next year while they dodge next month. They change the subject when you mention the future. Your long-term dreams get met with vague responses. Their tomorrow never seems to include you. Each dodged conversation leaves another question mark hanging.
7. Your problems don’t register.
Their smallest issue gets your full attention and support. Your rough days barely get a “that sucks.” You remember all their worries and follow up later. Your struggles seem to evaporate from their memory. Support feels like a one-way street in your direction.
8. They forget the little details.
You know how they take their coffee and what makes them tick. They still can’t remember if you’re allergic to shellfish. You notice when they change their hair. They haven’t spotted your new glasses from last month. Each overlooked detail chips away at your certainty.
9. Affection feels one-sided.
You reach for their hand naturally, instinctively. They only show affection when reminded or prompted. Your heart jumps at their touch because it’s so rare. Physical connection always starts with you. Touch has become another thing you have to ask for.
10. They’re too busy, always.
You make time, no matter how packed your schedule gets. They can’t squeeze you in between Netflix episodes. Quality time happens only when it’s convenient for them. Your priorities never seem to match. “Busy” has become code for “not important enough.”
11. Your excitement gets deflated.
Big news makes you want to call them first. Their reaction usually feels flat and rehearsed. You’ve started downplaying your achievements around them. Sharing joy feels less exciting than it should. Your wins feel smaller in their presence.
12. They don’t notice your efforts.
You go extra miles to make their day better. Small gestures and thoughtful acts go unmentioned. You’ve stopped expecting thank yous for the little things. Their appreciation feels like a rare currency. Each unnoticed effort adds weight to your chest.
13. Friends notice the imbalance.
Your friends have started making careful comments. They see how much you give versus receive. The concern in their eyes says what they won’t. You defend the relationship more than you discuss it. Outside perspectives become mirrors you’d rather avoid.
14. Compromise means you giving in.
Meeting halfway always ends up closer to their side. Your preferences take the back seat naturally now. You’ve forgotten what getting your way feels like. Compromise has become your default setting. The path of least resistance leads away from your needs.
15. Their mood controls yours.
Their happiness becomes your daily goal. Their bad mood wrecks your whole day. You walk on eggshells to keep them content. Your emotional well-being hangs on their temperament. Your own feelings have become secondary players.
16. You’re always available.
Your phone stays close, just in case they call. Plans get cancelled when they suddenly show up. You’ve mastered the art of dropping everything for them. Being available has become your default mode. Spontaneity only works in their direction.
17. Love feels heavy instead of light.
Loving them has become work instead of joy. You’re tired from carrying most of the weight. The relationship feels like a one-person show. Your heart’s doing all the heavy lifting lately. Each day feels like another uphill climb.
