Romantic relationships are all about giving and taking. A good relationship is where both the partners give equal importance to each other. However, when power imbalance takes place, the relationship is called one-sided. In such a partnership, one partner puts in more effort, time, and energy than the other.
In simple words, relationships lack equitable reciprocity. And it’s really disheartening to please a partner who doesn’t equally invest in the relationship. Emotional immaturity to poor communication style to different expectations, there are a plethora of causes of unbalanced partnership.
Unbalanced relationships can destroy affection and have a huge impact on emotional well-being. Moreover, such relationships don’t last long. That’s why it is pivotal to recognize early signs of one-sided relationships and fix them as soon as possible. Many people who lack connection and love in a relationship try to sort things out on their own, while others seek the help of a couples therapist. This article will highlight six early signs of one-sided relationships and how to deal with them.
6 Signs You Are In A One-Sided Relationship
You Feel Alone
Loneliness is the most common sign of one-sided relationships. In a healthy partnership, your partner is always there to share the burden when facing something challenging. However, if things are not going well, you have to handle all the difficulties alone without any support. It creates a significant distance between you and your partner and can lead to depression.
You Are Always The One Who Apologizes
Undoubtedly, where there are two vessels, there will be knocking. And it’s okay to say sorry when you are faulty. However, if you apologize for every single fight, it’s a matter of concern. You might be doing so to put an end to the conflict. But it is not the right solution to the problem. Apologizing for the sake of ending an argument — even if you did nothing wrong — dismisses your feelings and ruins the relationship. Seek the objective view of the best couple therapist in Chicago to both find healthy and productive ways to argue.
You Always Make Excuses For Your Partner’s Behavior
Rough patches come in everyone’s life. However, if you find yourself often giving justification for your partner’s behavior to friends and family, then it’s time to take a deeper look into your partnership. Being your spouse’s spokesperson is a huge red flag that you are in an unbalanced relationship.
Your Partner Put Others Before You
In a healthy relationship, partners put each other first before everything else. Of course, there will be instances where other things take priority. But if your partner consistently prioritizes other people and things rather than you, then you might be in a one-sided relationship.
Your Partner Never Discuss Issues
Communication is the key to keep a spark alive in the relationship. Couples who live happily together share their day-to-day routine and key issues of the family. But, if you are the only one who initiates and keeps the conversation going while your partner remains busy with a cell phone, there is a clear power inequity in your relationship.
Persistent Feelings Of Insecurity
Feeling insecure about your relationship is another common sign of a power imbalance. In such a situation, you are likely trying to live up to your partner’s expectations at any cost. This mindset can lead to feelings of low self-worth and self-acceptance.
How To Fix The Things?
- Be open and talk to your partner about the issues that are going on.
- Be honest and emphasize the positive traits of your partner rather than the negative.
- Take out the time and discuss with your partner what you truly want in the relationship.
- Keeping happiness in a relationship is a team approach, so it may be time to ask yourselves the hard question: Are you both willing to make things better?
In Final Words
To stay in a one-sided relationship is a tough road and putting it to an end is even harder. Hence, it is important to seek the help of the professional to identify your role in an imbalanced partnership and begin the road to healing.