Do they say they feel unappreciated? Find ways to share that you love them and that your other connections do not subvert your love for them. Openly appreciate their vulnerability and honesty rather than express exasperation or resentment. This keeps your relationship safe and communicative.
First, talk to him. He might not know how you felt; he might be surprised to know that you felt like you're being taken for granted. When you talk to him, though, be sure to use calm and neutral language, “I” statements, and be totally honest. This isn't a blame game: it's an attempt to make your partnership better.
When a girl feels unappreciated, she'll start to question her own worth. She'll wonder why everything she does, all of the effort she puts into your relationship, still doesn't seem like enough for you. She'll wonder whether she's missing something, whether she's lacking in some way.
The reason why someone feels that they are unlovable can stem from several things. They can be memories of the past, a chronic mental illness, or something as simple as self-esteem.
Start with explaining how you feel you are being taken for granted and how it is impacting the relationship. Maybe, your partner would understand you and your needs better when you explain it in plain words. Remember not to play any blame game and see how both of you can work together to find a solution.
Talk to him. Making assumptions can be confusing when your boyfriend stops making an effort. Instead, sit him down and let him know how you feel. Make him feel comfortable enough to tell you the truth about his actions and be open-minded.
"A one-sided relationship can be defined as a relationship that lacks balance and equitable reciprocity. A relationship that lacks balance or equitable reciprocity may look like one person investing more time, energy, effort, emotional or financial support than the other," Mychelle Williams, M.A., LPC, tells mbg.
You don't feel a strong, deep, meaningful connection
A hallmark of a one-sided relationship is a lack of a deep connection between partners. If you feel more like roommates than soulmates, there's likely a problem. Revitalize your relationship by making an effort to spend time together.
Disinterest in spending time together
Spending quality time together is essential to building intimacy and maintaining a healthy relationship. If one partner constantly declines invitations to spend time together or seems disinterested in planning activities, it can indicate a lack of effort in a relationship.
If they only allow you to hang out when they are available or at places that are only convenient for them, those are red flags. Beware if they ignore you when you want to make plans or are constantly making excusing when you ask to spend time with them. Relationships need to remain focused on give and take.
When you say he takes me for granted, it means he doesn't appreciate or value you enough. However, it might mean a lack of gratitude or expressing their love or appreciation for you. No matter how selfless and giving you are, you are bound to expect love, gratitude, appreciation, and praise.
If your partner is ignoring you, communicate with them directly. “Sometimes we think we have made it clear what we need by dropping hints here and there, but often we haven't made it clear to our partner how we feel,” says May. “Lack of communication is one of the biggest things that kills a relationship.
They may expect you to listen to them, but not be willing to hear what you have to say. In a relationship, being used might involve selfishness and disinterest in your needs. It may also involve someone only being interested in a sexual relationship while refusing to make any other type of emotional commitment.
If you're noticing yourself feeling really distant from your partner and you have fewer and fewer things in common with them, and perhaps you're just feeling disinterested or just numb or neutral towards the relationship, this is a sign that something needs to change.
You talk openly about everything.
There is no such thing as a secret in your relationship. You tell each other everything from how your day at work was to how you felt during the darkest moment of your life. There is a strong feeling of trust and respect between you.
"Take a hard and honest look at your values. Remind yourself what led to you and/or your partner deciding to separate. For a breakup to happen, there must have been a rationale that made sense, and it's good to honor that," Nguyen says.
It may be hard to accept, but when you notice some signs like abuse, lack of trust, lack of communication, and disrespect, it may be some signs that your relationship is failing, and time to call it off. Even when you try your best to put the relationship together, the damage may be too severe.