One sided relationship: Signs, Cause & How to Deal

Author Image By Swasky Jeff
Author Image Swasky Jeff
Swasky Jeff is a seasoned content writer with 11 years of experience in the marriage and relationship niche. He specializes in crafting insightful, research-backed articles that help couples build strong, lasting relationships.
Medically reviewed By Deidre Jenkins, MD
One-Sided Love: Know the Signs & Heal
  • Warning Signs
  • Root Causes
  • Healthy Coping
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An emotional drain and an acute disappointment, really, a one-sided relationship! It exists when one takes more time, effort, and emotions than the other and creates an imbalance that leads to frustration and heartbreak. Draining feelings may occur in romantic ties, friendships, or family relationships when you feel as though you are the one putting in the effort. Recognizing signs early can help save your mental and emotional well-being. This blog looks at the common signs of a one-sided relationship, its causes, and more importantly, the healthy ways by which one can deal with it.

What Is a One-Sided Relationship?

A one-sided relationship means one individual is almost always giving more than receiving. This imbalance can transpire in the form of emotional support, communication time, or effort. The person who puts more into the relationship often feels slightly neglected, unappreciated, or taken for granted, while the other tends to be distant or indifferent.

One-sided relationships are not only romantic; they can arise in friendships, family, or work environments. When this goes on for a while, it results in emotional exhaustion, low self-esteem, and resentment. Once you understand this dynamic, you can then move to setting boundaries and looking for healthier, mutually rewarding relationships.

Related Reading: What Is Unconditional Love? A Comprehensive Guide

13 Clear Signs You’re in a One-Sided Relationship

A healthy relationship takes effort from both sides. If you very often are giving without getting in return, these are some signs to look out for:

  • You Are Always the One Initiating Contact

You text and call all the time; you make all the plans. The silence would be unbearable if you stopped initiating contact.

  • They Rarely Ask After Your Day

They rarely tune into what you are feeling or experiencing. Conversations always veer toward their lives and only show very little interest in yours.

  • You Feel Drained Rather Than Energized

If spending time with them leaves you emotionally tired and drained rather than uplifted, accept the red flag.

  • You Compromise Most of the Time; They, Little

You are always rearranging your schedule, needs, or values to fit theirs.

  • They Do Not Support You Emotionally

As a matter of fact, times are hard; they are nowhere to be found. You give them support, but do not receive that in return.

  • Lack of Affection or Appreciation

They don't see your efforts. Appreciation or affection is not on the menu or so sparingly given that it feels insincere.

  • You Make Excuses for Them

You are always making excuses for their neglect or inconsiderate behavior to yourself and to others.

  • You Get Nervous About Bringing Up Issues

As discussions commence over disputes, oftentimes, these conflicts are avoided in order to keep the peace.

  • They Are Rarely Around When You Need Them

Whether you need advice, help, or consider them as the person you want to vent to, they're usually down on it or really uninterested.

  • It's Their Way or No Way

They decide when to meet, when to talk, and when to be near. You are just hanging around awaiting their next move.

  • You Feel Bad Insecure or Worthless

Absence of effort on their part leads you to question your worth, whether you are "enough" for them.

  • No Progress or Growth

The relationship stays stuck in the same place. There's no future planning or development on an emotional level.

  • You Care More on the Emotional Side

You're the one who's thinking about the relationship, worrying about it, and planning around it more than they are.

Related Reading: 21 Signs of Unspoken Mutual Attraction Between Two People

Emotional and Psychological Effects of Being in a One-Sided Relationship

Having a one-sided relationship has its emotional and psychological drawbacks. Whenever giving far much more and receiving less, feelings of rejection, loneliness and low self-esteem might creep in. These feelings prompt us to ask questions about our own worth: Our efforts may not have been duly appreciated, and such thoughts lower an individual's esteem, accompanied by anxiety. The neglect can create a feeling of emptiness and confusion when the other side is pointing in opposing directions or not openly communicating.

Hence psychologically, such an imbalanced association fosters long-term stress and somewhat leads to depression. Mentally you would be drained, trying all the while to keep up the relationship alone. However, after enough time your confidence and trust might begin to erode, thus complicating the creation of newer relationships. You would be feeling guilty or shameful for desiring even a little amount of attention or care, making the healing of your emotional state far worse.

In some other expressions, a one-sided relationship traps you in an emotional dependency: You cling to hope for a better tomorrow, yet the present circumstances looked gloomier with each passing day. Accepting one's prominent and grievous effect is the first step toward healing.

Conclusion

If perpetually one partner is giving less, there is no such thing as a healthy, sustainable relationship. If your health is to be preserved, one has to first recognize these signs and know the constant emotional bleeding.

Be it romantic, friendly, or familial, you deserve a thousandfold of love, respect, and support in return. Never ignore your feelings and give in to explanations for recurring neglect. Instead, begin taking your own step backward from all of these, set some boundaries, and build up relationships that uplift you and esteem you for who you are. The beginning of healing is self-awareness, followed by choosing to speak-up for your mental health.



Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why Do People Stay in One-Sided Relationships?

People often stay in one-sided relationships due to the fear of being alone, hope that things will get better, or a low self-esteem. Coloring the situation are emotional attachments, denial, constructs of past traumas either known or unknown, or blockages that hinder a person from recognizing the imbalance and fostering a healthier emotional space.

How to Deal with a One-Sided Relationship

Recognize your feelings and honestly assess the level of imbalance. Articulate your needs and impose boundaries. If nothing ever changes, then distance or end the relationship; fill your life with a supportive circle throughout. Meanwhile, put a focus on self-care: on mental and emotional health instead of a one-sided act of emotional investment.

 

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