

{"id":84309,"date":"2023-03-18T10:05:02","date_gmt":"2023-03-18T10:05:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/?p=84309"},"modified":"2025-06-13T09:47:07","modified_gmt":"2025-06-13T09:47:07","slug":"signs-your-spouse-takes-you-for-granted","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/save-your-marriage\/signs-your-spouse-takes-you-for-granted\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Signs Your Spouse Takes You for Granted and What to Do?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-84313\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/New-Project-2023-03-18T152752.603.jpg\" alt=\"Couple having conflicts \" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Marriage is a beautiful bond between two people who adore and cherish one another. However, it is common for couples to fall into a routine and start seeing signs their spouse takes them for granted.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you feel taken for granted in marriage, you may feel unappreciated, undervalued, and hurt.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are several signs your spouse takes you for granted. They may withdraw from the relationship, stop showing affection, or become more distant. They may also stop acknowledging your efforts and stop listening to you when you speak.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When this is noticed, it must be addressed ASAP to avoid further damage. To help you settle the dust once and for all, we&rsquo;ve compiled a list of 10 signs your spouse takes you for granted and what to do when you see them.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What-does-it-mean-when-someone-takes-you-for-granted\"><\/span><b>What does it mean when someone takes you for granted?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The dictionary defines <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.merriam-webster.com\/dictionary\/take%20for%20granted#:~:text=%3A%20to%20value%20(something%20or%20someone,something%20that%20should%20be%20valued)\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">being taken for granted<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> as a situation in which someone or something is valued too lightly. When someone is taken for granted, their true worth is neither seen, appreciated, or adequately celebrated.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let&rsquo;s bring this definition to romantic relationships.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When someone takes love for granted, we can say that they do not fully appreciate or value the presence or efforts of their romantic partner. They may believe they&rsquo;ll always be there for them.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hence, they may find it difficult to celebrate or appreciate the work they put into making the relationship work.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Being taken for granted by your husband, wife, or partner can be frustrating, especially if you&rsquo;ve invested time, energy, and resources into the relationship. It can also lead to resentment and conflict in the relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On the upside, your partner can do this unconsciously, so it would be up to you to let them know how you feel. Do not consider it a dead end, as you can easily find a fix once you know what to do.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">According to Psychologist&nbsp;<\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/experts\/mert-eker\" target=\"_blank\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Mert &#350;eker<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">:<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">In a relationship, partners accept each other, and they are referred to as a relationship dynamic built based on mutual love, understanding, and respect. This acceptance involves the process of understanding and validating each partner&rsquo;s unique personality traits, values, emotional needs, and life views.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some effective solutions include having an open conversation with your partner, establishing boundaries, or taking a break to prioritize your well-being. The final destination, when the dust has settled, is to preserve the beauty and love in your relationship.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10-signs-your-spouse-takes-you-for-granted\"><\/span><b>10 signs your spouse takes you for granted<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ADTEAQCoe3c?si=VDYRzehuvPvc8JIH\" 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=\"subscribeYT_highlight\"><div class=\"subscribe_channel\">\r\n            <div class=\"subscribe_text\">Join millions <span class=\"sub_text1\">building healthier, happier<\/span> <span class=\"sub_text2\"> relationships.<\/span><\/div>\r\n            <a class=\"subscribe-btn-in-content\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@Marriagedotcom?sub_confirmation=1\" target=\"_blank\">\r\n            <img src=\"\/images\/youtube_icon_small.png\" class=\"icon-left\" alt=\"YouTube\">\r\n            <span>Subscribe<\/span>\r\n            <img src=\"\/images\/bell_icon_new.svg\" class=\"icon-right\" alt=\"Extra Icon\">\r\n            <\/a>\r\n        <\/div><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do you feel like you&rsquo;re beginning to lose that magical touch you once had over your partner? Here are 10 sure signs that your spouse takes you for granted.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>1. They no longer dedicate time to you<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One thing we can unanimously agree on is the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/hbr.org\/2018\/08\/how-to-help-your-spouse-cope-with-work-stress\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">effect of work stress on relationships<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Work demands, as well as domestic and social obligations, can make life hectic.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is perfectly acceptable not to feel up to engaging in lengthy conversations when you&rsquo;re racing against the clock to deliver a project to your boss.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At other times, you may just want to switch off your brain, and engaging in a conversation with your spouse can seem like a chore.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But if this pattern has become a routine, regardless of how much free time you have had, it&rsquo;s a sign that you&rsquo;re drifting apart in your marriage.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are not spending quality time together and thinking, &ldquo;My wife or husband takes me for granted,&rdquo; you are not wrong. However, instead of making a rash decision, evaluate how they respond to everyone else. Do they have the same issue making time for everyone else?&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No? That could be a sign your spouse takes you for granted.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<pre><b><i>Related Reading:<\/i><\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/making-time-for-you-and-your-spouse\/\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Making Time For You And Your Spouse<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/pre>\n<h3><b>2. Your spouse avoids doing their duties<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If one of the partners becomes sloppy about doing their part for the home you both share and just lets things slide without guilt, it reflects how they feel about the relationship.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They might be dropping the ball, and it&rsquo;s up to you to decide whether you want to accept it or fight for yourself.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-84312\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/New-Project-2023-03-18T152809.359.jpg\" alt=\"Couple having argument \" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<h3><b>3. Your relationship lacks communication<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au\/health\/healthyliving\/relationships-and-communication\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Studies<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> show that relationships don&rsquo;t thrive without effective communication.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Forget about making phone calls or sending texts when you&rsquo;re not together; if your partner can&rsquo;t be bothered to talk to you when you&rsquo;re right in front of them, it&rsquo;s cause for concern, and the health of your relationship may be suffering.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When all of your efforts to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/communication\/8-tips-to-improve-communication-in-your-relationship\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">improve communication in the relationship<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are ignored or met with cold, harsh responses, you have two options: work on your relationship or walk away. But don&rsquo;t get stuck in it because it will start to affect your mental health and self-esteem.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>4. They flirt with others in your presence<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is extremely painful to witness your spouse, who makes minimal efforts to invest in your relationship, flirting with someone else right in front of you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This mostly happens when your spouse assumes that you will be okay with such behavior or when it does not even occur to them that their actions may hurt you.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This can also be a sign of being taken for granted, which you should not tolerate.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Then again, constantly flirting with others, especially when they know you&rsquo;re hurt, is a sign of disrespect.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>5. When you are no longer satisfied sexually<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&rsquo;s not that sex isn&rsquo;t present in your relationship, but one of the signs your spouse takes you for granted is that sex has now become all about them. They expect you to do all the work to please them but are never interested in giving you a mind-blowing experience as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p>As Psychologist Mert &#350;eker explains:<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>The association of situations in which the partner is not sexually satisfied with the partner&rsquo;s underestimation of the relationship represents a complex context. This is compounded by the fact that sexual satisfaction is an integral part of a relationship.<\/p>\n<p>Lack of sexual satisfaction can cause emotional and physical distance between partners, weakening their commitment to each other.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your sex life starts to feel like it&rsquo;s all about fulfilling your partner&rsquo;s desires while leaving you high and dry every time, you may want to reconsider your stance.<\/span><\/p>\n<pre><b><i>Related Reading:<\/i><\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/physical-intimacy\/husband-sexually-satisfied\/\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">12 Tips on How to Keep Your Husband Sexually Satisfied<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/pre>\n<h3><b>6. Your relationship lacks appreciation<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your partner never expresses gratitude for what you do for them, it&rsquo;s a clear sign of taking love for granted. When people do not feel appreciated and acknowledged, it can lead to resentment and tension in the relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Suggested video<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: 25 ways to appreciate your spouse&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Ie5Gs5g9K0M\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h3><b>7. Your spouse does not take responsibility<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If they never accept responsibility for their actions or attempt to shift blame to you, it&rsquo;s one of the top signs your spouse takes you for granted. This frustrating and hurtful behavior can eventually lead to a breakdown in communication and trust.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>8. You are no longer your partner&rsquo;s priority<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&rsquo;s okay not to be the center of your partner&rsquo;s world sometimes, especially if they have other people (like children and work colleagues) to attend to. If, however, they constantly shove your needs down the drain, you may want to pay closer attention.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your needs, feelings, and aspirations are not prioritized, it indicates that your partner is taking you for granted. The first step to handling this is to talk to them about how your spouse takes you for granted.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>9. Your spouse makes no effort to impress you<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even if it isn&rsquo;t often, our partner should make an attempt to impress you, especially on special occasions. If your partner makes no such effort, it could indicate they aren&rsquo;t afraid of losing you. Consider reassessing the relationship at this point.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>10. There is zero affection<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When your spouse suddenly becomes less affectionate than usual, it may indicate they take you for granted. Affection is one of the primary ways people express love, so its absence can be concerning.<\/span><\/p>\n<pre><b><i>Related Reading:<\/i><\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/romance\/my-husband-is-not-affectionate-or-romantic\/\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">My Husband Is Not Affectionate or Romantic : 15 Things to Do<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/pre>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How-to-stop-being-taken-for-granted-in-marriage-5-ways\"><\/span><b>How to stop being taken for granted in marriage- 5 ways<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After seeing these signs, your spouse takes you for granted, and your next plan of action should be to define your exact next steps. These are 5 ways to stop being taken for granted in marriage (or your relationship in general).<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>1. Communicate your needs<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Communicating your needs to your partner is one of the most important things you can do. Make it clear what they must do to make you feel appreciated and valued. Try to be specific and provide examples of times when you have felt taken for granted.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While at it, don&rsquo;t forget to give them time to adjust.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-84311\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/New-Project-2023-03-18T152822.626.jpg\" alt=\"Couple not talking to each other \" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<h3><b>2. Establish boundaries<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your partner is taking you for granted, it is critical to establish boundaries. Make it clear what you can tolerate and the things that are a no-no to you. Be firm but fair in your boundaries, and don&rsquo;t be afraid to enforce them.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>3. Self-care is essential<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is vital to look after your own needs and well-being, especially at this time. Make time to do things you enjoy and put your self-care first. You&rsquo;re more likely to be assertive and confident in your relationship if you feel good about yourself.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>4. Express gratitude<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be the example you want to see. If you want your partner to be less critical and more accepting of you, ensure you also extend the same benefits to them.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Express gratitude for your partner&rsquo;s efforts and contributions to the relationship. You can start a positive cycle of mutual appreciation and respect by showing appreciation for what they do.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>5. Seek professional assistance<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&rsquo;ve tried everything and are still being taken for granted in your marriage, it may be time to seek<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">professional assistance. A therapist or a<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">marriage counselor can assist you and your partner in identifying and resolving issues in your relationship.<\/span><\/p>\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;\">Here are some frequently asked questions about being taken for granted in your relationship.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><b>How can I avoid taking my spouse for granted?<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To avoid taking your spouse for granted, consciously express your appreciation and gratitude for them, prioritize spending quality time together, and communicate openly and honestly.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check in with them regularly to see how they&rsquo;re doing. Remember to keep working hard to keep the relationship going.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><b>Is it normal for spouses to take each other for granted?<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&rsquo;s not uncommon for spouses to sometimes take each other for granted. To maintain a healthy relationship, however, you must recognize and address this tendency. <\/span><\/p>\n<p>Mert &#350;eker, in his experience as a psychologist, noticed that:<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>Spouses underestimating each other is generally a behavior that does not comply with a healthy relationship dynamic and indicates potential problems.<\/p>\n<p>A healthy marriage or relationship should be based on mutual respect, understanding, and empathy. Underestimation between partners can lead to a weakened emotional bond, lack of communication, and potential conflict.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Neglecting or disregarding your partner&rsquo;s needs and feelings regularly can cause long-term damage to the relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Summary\"><\/span><b>Summary<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some of the signs your spouse takes you for granted include a lack of appreciation, disregard for your needs, and a lack of affection. When you notice these, communicate your feelings to your spouse in a non-confrontational manner and collaborate to find solutions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your spouse&rsquo;s behavior does not change, consider reassessing the relationship and, if necessary, seek <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/counseling\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">marriage counseling<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false,"raw":""},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Marriage is a beautiful bond between two people who adore and cherish one another. However, it is common for couples to fall into a routine and start seeing signs their spouse takes them for granted.&nbsp; When you feel taken for granted in marriage, you may feel unappreciated, undervalued, and hurt. There are several signs your spouse takes you for granted. They may withdraw from the relationship, stop showing affection, or become more distant. They may also stop acknowledging your efforts and stop listening to you when you speak. When this is noticed, it must be addressed ASAP to avoid further <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":675,"featured_media":84313,"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\/84309"}],"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\/675"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=84309"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/84309\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":109406,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/84309\/revisions\/109406"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/84313"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=84309"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=84309"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=84309"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}