A full-fledged healthy relationship will never make you doubt yourself, suffer from a feeling of inferiority and even loneliness, despite having a permanent partner. The following 7 signs will help you recognize a “one-sided game” and take action in time.
You give much more than you receive.
Relationships are not mathematical equations, so it is perfectly normal for one partner to put in a little more emotionally or physically – it would be strange to meticulously keep a list of signs of attention and favors for the sake of an infallible balance. At the same time, it is important that the receiving party also makes an effort and accepts the role of donor from time to time. Otherwise, a healthy exchange turns into unrequited self-giving.
You sacrifice your needs
In a one-sided relationship, you will soon find yourself regularly changing your plans, sacrificing your needs, and compromising on your life goals, but your partner, taking all this for granted, does not do the same for you. At the same time, you are often placed in high expectations – a man can always turn to you, but as soon as you ask him for a favor, it turns out that you “only think about yourself” and are “too demanding” and “selfish”.
He appeals to ingratitude
You may encounter a typical situation when “ingratitude” becomes an argument for manipulation. “Didn’t even say thank you,” “ungrateful,” and other phrases with the same meaning and message are designed to make you feel indebted. At the same time, the accuser may mean those “benefits” that you did not need and did not ask for. In addition, people with such a claim are rarely capable of timely gratitude and recognition of someone else’s contribution to the common cause. And again, the problem is obvious – the partner is trying to subjugate you and does not value your real interests.
You are always to blame
At the slightest conflict, you no longer even doubt that you will be the one left to suffer? Even if you sincerely believe that your partner is smarter and more resourceful, you should be wary – there are no ideal people, as well as those who always make mistakes, especially in a romantic relationship, where responsibility is always shared by both. You should not put up with the role of a scapegoat – this is a clear sign of exploitation in a relations.
You are not being heard
Healthy relationships create a safe space where you can freely express your point of view without fear of judgment. When all your opinions, including reasons and arguments, are ignored on a regular basis, it may seem like you are somehow not explaining yourself correctly or speaking incomprehensibly – this is not true, you are not being heard because they do not want to hear you. The situation in such cases develops like in the old sad joke: “Of course, you must have your own opinion, and I will tell you it now.”
The partner dominates without appeal
Whether it’s a phone call or plans for the evening, his wishes and decisions are your command. Is he uncomfortable talking? The conversation is over. Has he booked a restaurant? Your dentist appointment must automatically be rescheduled. And the situations only get more absurd. At first, this dominance may even seem cute because of the feeling of security. But over time, it becomes clear that you have no say in the matter – this is an alarming signal that cannot be ignored.
Your victories go unnoticed
One of the advantages of close communication is the opportunity to share not only grief, but also joy. After all, victories are much more pleasant when there is someone to share them with. Pay attention to how your companion reacts to your achievements and how he celebrates his own. If his successes are always a reason to throw a feast, and yours make you beg for basic praise – what is this if not humiliation? It’s time to stop the process of devaluing you as a person.