

{"id":100178,"date":"2024-05-22T05:53:34","date_gmt":"2024-05-22T05:53:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/?p=100178"},"modified":"2025-06-30T17:50:03","modified_gmt":"2025-06-30T17:50:03","slug":"partner-taking-you-for-granted","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/partner-taking-you-for-granted\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Your Partner Taking You for Granted? 12 Signs to Look For"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-100179\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/511332547.jpg\" alt=\"Young couple having conflicts in relationship \" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In relationships, the feeling of being valued can slowly erode without clear, immediate signs.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><div class=\"research_highlight\"><p>A <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/sites.lsa.umich.edu\/whirl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/792\/2020\/08\/2012-To-have-and-to-hold.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that people who feel taken for granted by their partners report lower satisfaction levels, highlighting a common yet often silent issue.<\/p><\/div>&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&rsquo;re beginning to question the dynamics of your relationship, you might not be alone in this experience. <\/span><b>When a partner starts taking you for granted, it can manifest in subtle shifts in their behavior and attitude towards you<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&mdash;changes that are easy to overlook but cumulative in their impact.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Recognizing the signs of a partner taking you for granted is the first step towards addressing this imbalance. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This journey of awareness can be crucial for those who find themselves pondering the nuances of their interactions and looking for ways on how to deal with a partner taking you for granted.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Identifying these signs is not just about fault-finding but about fostering a deeper connection and mutual <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/reasons-why-respect-is-important-in-a-relationship\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">respect within your relationship<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is-your-partner-taking-you-for-granted-12-signs-to-look-for\"><\/span><b>Is your partner taking you for granted? 12 signs to look for<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-93521\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/1289447788.jpg\" alt=\"Tired frustrated man ignoring his wife\" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When it comes to relationships, feeling appreciated is as essential as love itself. However, if you&rsquo;re beginning to feel like your partner taking you for granted has become a pattern, it might be time to pay closer attention.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are some signs that might indicate your partner is taking you for granted, helping you to recognize and address these issues before they deepen.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recognizing these signs of a partner taking you for granted is the first step toward rebuilding a healthier, more balanced relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>1. They no longer say thank you<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><div class=\"research_highlight\"><p>According to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.apa.org\/monitor\/2013\/04\/marriage\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">research<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> published by the American Psychological Association, lack of gratitude is a major predictor of divorce and breakups in long-term relationships.<\/p><\/div><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When a partner stops expressing gratitude for the little things you do, it might be a sign they&rsquo;re taking your efforts for granted. Saying &ldquo;thank you&rdquo; is a simple way to show appreciation, and its absence can make you feel undervalued and overlooked.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wporg-box\"><div class=\"\"><span class=\"wporg_heading\">RELATED READING : <\/span><span class=\"wporg_title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/solutions-for-8-common-relationship-issues\/\" title=\"30 Common Relationship Problems and Solutions\">30 Common Relationship Problems and Solutions<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n<h3><b>2. They make plans without consulting you<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A partner making plans without considering your schedule or interests can be hurtful. It often suggests that they prioritize their own needs and desires over yours, which can contribute to feeling unappreciated in the relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Licensed Professional Counselor, Marriage Mentor, and Relationship Coach <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/experts\/christiana-njoku\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Christiana Njoku<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> states, <\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In a healthy <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">relationship, the interests of both partners are<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> considered before decisions are made.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h3><b>3. You feel like you&rsquo;re always the one compromising<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Compromise is essential in any relationship, but it should be a two-way street. If you find yourself constantly bending to accommodate your partner&rsquo;s needs while yours are ignored, it&rsquo;s a clear sign of being taken for granted.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>4. They stop asking about your day<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When communication falters, particularly about daily happenings, it might indicate your partner is taking your presence and emotional well-being for granted. Regular check-ins are a cornerstone of emotional intimacy and support in a relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>5. Your special occasions are forgotten or downplayed<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ignoring or forgetting important dates like birthdays or anniversaries is a telltale sign of an ungrateful partner. These occasions are opportunities to celebrate each other and the relationship, and neglecting them can be deeply hurtful.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>6. They don&rsquo;t acknowledge your efforts<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-93790\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/2340530433-2.jpg\" alt=\"Young couple had argument\" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether it&rsquo;s keeping the house tidy, managing finances, or supporting them through a tough time, not acknowledging your efforts can make you feel invisible and undervalued. This is a common symptom of a partner taking you for granted.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"wporg-box\"><div class=\"\"><span class=\"wporg_heading\">RELATED READING : <\/span><span class=\"wporg_title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/romance\/dont-take-your-spouse-for-granted-four-things-to-say\/\" title=\"Don\u2019t Take Your Spouse for Granted! 4 Things to Say\">Don\u2019t Take Your Spouse for Granted! 4 Things to Say<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n<h3><b>7. They assume you will always be there, no matter what<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Taking your commitment for granted can lead to a partner not working to nourish or maintain the relationship. This assumption undermines the mutual effort that healthy relationships require.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>8. Communication has dwindled<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A decline in talking and sharing can indicate that your partner is taking the relationship for granted. Good communication nourishes understanding and closeness; without it, you can feel disconnected and ignored by your partner.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>9. They don&rsquo;t make time for you<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b>&nbsp;<\/b><div class=\"research_highlight\"><p><a href=\"https:\/\/journals.sagepub.com\/doi\/10.1177\/0265407595122010#:~:text=While%20time%20spent%20together%20may,no%20increase%20in%20relationship%20satisfaction.\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Studies<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> indicate that couples who spend more physical time together tend to experience higher levels of relationship satisfaction and feel closer to each other.<\/p><\/div><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your partner consistently chooses not to spend time with you or always prioritizes other commitments, it can make you feel sidelined and unimportant. This behavior is a common sign that your partner is taking you for granted.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>10. They are not supportive<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Support in a relationship is crucial. If your partner is not there to support you during tough times or in your endeavors, it can make you feel alone and unappreciated. Supportive behavior is foundational to any strong relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/experts\/christiana-njoku\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Christiana Njoku<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> adds, <\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Being with an unsupportive partner can be draining, but a supportive and caring partner is a plus. Their support through tough times <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">makes<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> you feel you are not alone in that relationship.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h3><b>11. They take more than they give<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A one-sided relationship where one partner always takes and rarely gives back can be draining and demoralizing. This imbalance is a clear indicator that your partner may not appreciate the value you bring to the relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>12. They show a lack of interest in your life<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When a partner shows little interest in your personal life, ambitions, or feelings, it&rsquo;s a significant sign of being ignored by your partner. Interest in each other&rsquo;s lives is crucial to maintaining a loving and caring relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you suspect your partner&rsquo;s lack of interest is fueled by some other severe reasons, watch this informative video:<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/UGKHuFBPuS0?si=ceDc4sEmNUj7-_v1\" width=\"804\" height=\"350\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">&#65279;<\/span><\/iframe><\/p>\n<div class=\"wporg-box\"><div class=\"\"><span class=\"wporg_heading\">RELATED READING : <\/span><span class=\"wporg_title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/save-your-marriage\/signs-your-spouse-takes-you-for-granted\/\" title=\"10 Signs Your Spouse Takes You for Granted and What to Do?\">10 Signs Your Spouse Takes You for Granted and What to Do?<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs\"><\/span><b>FAQs<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recognizing that your partner is taking you for granted can be disheartening, but addressing it is crucial for a healthy relationship. Here are some common questions and straightforward answers based on a partner taking you for granted to help you deal with these feelings.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><b>&nbsp;How do I confront my partner about taking me for granted?<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you feel your partner is taking you for granted, first choose a calm moment to express how you feel, using specific examples. Be honest but gentle, focusing on your feelings rather than accusing. Communication is key to resolving feelings of being overlooked.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><b>&nbsp;Can a relationship recover from being taken for granted?<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, a relationship can recover if both partners are willing to work on it. Acknowledgment of the issue, sincere apologies, and consistent effort to appreciate each other are vital steps toward healing and strengthening the bond.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><b>Are there cultural differences in how people perceive being taken for granted?<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, cultural backgrounds can influence expectations and perceptions in relationships. What one culture sees as independence, another might view as neglect, highlighting the importance of understanding and respecting each other&rsquo;s cultural values.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><b>&nbsp;What are some strategies to prevent being taken for granted in a relationship?<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maintain open communication about your needs and expectations. Regularly express appreciation for each other, and ensure that both partners contribute to the relationship&rsquo;s upkeep. Setting boundaries and having individual interests can also prevent one partner from feeling taken for granted.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><b>How can I differentiate between normal relationship dynamics and being taken for granted?<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Normal relationship dynamics involve mutual give-and-take and fluctuate over time. Feeling taken for granted is characterized by consistent neglect of one partner&rsquo;s needs and efforts, leading to a feeling of imbalance and dissatisfaction.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"To-bring-in-positive-change\"><\/span><b>To bring in positive change<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you recognize any of these signs in your relationship, it&rsquo;s important to address them with care and positivity. Open communication is key to overcoming feelings of being taken for granted. Remember, identifying these issues doesn&rsquo;t signal an end but an opportunity for growth.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By working together and fostering appreciation for one another, you can strengthen your bond and build a more fulfilling partnership. Take these signs as a gentle prompt to rekindle the care and respect that form the foundation of every loving relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false,"raw":""},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In relationships, the feeling of being valued can slowly erode without clear, immediate signs.&nbsp; &nbsp; If you&rsquo;re beginning to question the dynamics of your relationship, you might not be alone in this experience. When a partner starts taking you for granted, it can manifest in subtle shifts in their behavior and attitude towards you&mdash;changes that are easy to overlook but cumulative in their impact.&nbsp; Recognizing the signs of a partner taking you for granted is the first step towards addressing this imbalance. This journey of awareness can be crucial for those who find themselves pondering the nuances of their interactions <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1391,"featured_media":100179,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[2502],"tags":[2601],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/100178"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1391"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=100178"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/100178\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":110182,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/100178\/revisions\/110182"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/100179"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=100178"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=100178"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=100178"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}