Is your love a one-way street? Here are 7 warning signs of a one-sided relationship

A One-sided relationship can be draining and difficult to sustain, unlike healthy ones that rely on mutual honesty, trust, and commitment.

Kelly Campbell, Ph.D., describes a one-sided relationship as one where one person invests much more effort than the other.

Although one person might temporarily handle more, such as during illness or tough times, a healthy relationship requires effort from both partners.

One person can’t bear the full load for an extended period.

Campbell and Wale Okerayi, LMHC LPC, provide insights into the psychology of one-sided relationships.

Below are the warning signs that you’re in a one-sided relationship, what steps to take, and how to move on if your partner won’t change.

1. You and your partner have different priorities.

Campbell notes that investing all your time and money in the relationship. At the same time, your partner spending their time on other things can be a problem.

Although having individual hobbies and friends is healthy, both partners must prioritize each other for the relationship to succeed.

2. You feel unsure about your relationship.

Okerayi notes that feeling unsure about your relationship is a major sign it might be one-sided. If you often question your partner’s feelings or feel they don’t care, it’s important to discuss the future of your relationship with them.

3. You often make excuses for how your partner behaves.

If you frequently make excuses for your partner’s behavior, it might mean you’re sacrificing too much. Campbell notes that if your partner is consistently late or makes other plans, it shows they don’t value the relationship as much as you do. In a healthy relationship, both partners should be accountable, not just make excuses for poor behavior.

4. Your partner tries to control you.

A controlling partner indicates an unbalanced relationship that needs to change. Campbell points out that insecure partners might restrict your contact with others and dictate your actions, which often develops gradually. This is a serious sign that the relationship needs improvement.

5. You’re doing more for the relationship than your partner.

Campbell explains that if the relationship feels unfair, it might be one-sided, with you handling most of the planning and effort.

She advises tracking how much time you spend together and who contributes what, which can help you understand the extent of the imbalance.

6. You sacrifice your goals and dreams for your partner.

If you’re always making sacrifices and feel unsupported in your dreams while supporting your partner’s goals, Okerayi says this indicates a one-sided relationship that needs to change.

7. You are always blamed during arguments.

Disagreements are normal in any relationship, but if your partner always blames you and you’re the only one apologizing, it may indicate a one-sided relationship, according to Okerayi.

She notes that if your partner avoids responsibility and you end up apologizing to keep the peace while feeling unheard, the relationship needs to be addressed.

Moving on from a one-sided relationship

Ending a relationship is hard, but staying in one that harms your well-being is worse. If you’ve tried to improve things without success, Campbell advises it might be time to move on, as the relationship may not be right for you.

After a breakup, accepting and understanding your feelings, whether anger, sadness, or insecurity, is crucial.

Take time to process your emotions and grieve the relationship. Staying active, trying new hobbies, spending time with loved ones, and engaging in self-care can help.

Talking to a therapist for support is also beneficial. Remember to be patient and kind to yourself, as healing takes time.

Here’s how to fix a one-sided relationship, according to a licensed psychotherapist, Michelle Farris:

Disclaimer: This article is provided solely for informational purposes and should not be considered a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or opinion. It is strongly recommended to consult with qualified professionals for any concerns or health issues.