Is Your Relationship One-Sided? These Signs Prove It!

A relationship involves two individuals each with their own dreams, motivations, desires, and needs. This can lead to situations where one partner may seem to contribute more to the relationship than the other. Participation can vary over time. “At different stages in a relationship, one partner may carry the relationship more than the other, and then roles may switch. It’s a give-and-take. But an imbalance can occur, and we might begin to realize it, or our friends and family might point it out if we don’t see it ourselves,” explains Sandrine Carême, a sexologist and couples therapist. One partner might be more engaged emotionally, affectionately, or materially. This can become exhausting, frustrating, uncomfortable, or even feel unfair to the one putting in more effort. Doubts about the other’s feelings can emerge if they don’t seem as invested.

► Imbalance in Effort: You find yourself alone in making plans, organizing outings, and showing affection (as a couple in the making). “If you are in a more established relationship, you may be the one who tries to resolve conflicts, suggests better communication strategies, or seeks couples therapy. The lack of reciprocity is evident,” Carême details.

► Imbalance in Responsibilities: In a settled relationship, chores and childcare may be grossly unbalanced. “Despite your attempts to sort things out, your partner makes no effort,” observes the specialist.

► Imbalance in Communication: It’s always you initiating deep conversations, and when you express the need for better communication, it feels like your partner isn’t interested in what you have to say, which can be particularly frustrating. “Whenever you need comfort or support, your partner is absent, not taking your emotions seriously, whereas when your partner faces difficulties and needs emotional support, you’re always there to help,” summarizes Carême.

► Imbalance in Priorities: You are never your partner’s priority. They always put their job, friends, or personal activities first, and you feel like you’re not on their priority list. “In a newer relationship, you might notice that you’re always the one sending messages, while your partner never initiates and is slow to respond,” adds the couples therapist.

► Imbalance in Future Plans: When you talk about joint projects, your partner avoids the conversation. The future, plans together, marriage, children, buying a shared property… Your partner doesn’t share your aspirations for commitment. As a result, you feel neglected, weary, angry, and disappointed by your partner’s lack of effort. Perhaps it’s time to accept that the relationship may have no future and consider ending it?

Special thanks to Sandrine Carême, sexologist and couples therapist.