I love people! I grew up surrounded by many people! People give me joy! However, in as much as I love people, I have also learnt that, relationships and friendships are supposed to be mutually beneficial, where both parties give and take equally.
However, sometimes we find ourselves in situations where the friendship or relationship is one-sided, and we feel like we’re giving our all and doing all the work.
One-sided relationships can be emotionally draining and damaging to our self-esteem. It’s important to recognise one-sided friendships and relationships and find ways on how to handle them for the sake of our mental health!
*Signs of a One-Sided Friendship or Relationship
One-sided friendships and relationships often have certain signs that can help us recognize them.. With one-sided relationships:
You are always the one initiating contact
If you’re always the one reaching out to the other person and they never seem to make an effort to stay in touch, it’s a sign of a one-sided relationship.
They only contact you when they need something
If the only time the other person contacts you is when they need something from you, it’s a clear sign that the relationship is one-sided.
They don’t show interest in your life
If the other person never seems to ask about your life, your interests, or your well-being, it’s a sign that they’re not invested in the relationship.
They don’t make time for you
If the other person is always too busy to hang out with you or cancels plans at the last minute, it’s a sign that they’re not prioritizing the relationship.
They don’t reciprocate
If you’re always doing things for the other person, but they never return the favour, it’s a clear sign that the relationship is one-sided.
Handling a One-Sided Friendship or Relationship
Once you’ve recognized that your friendship or relationship is one-sided, it’s essential to handle the situation in a healthy way. Here are some tips on how to handle a one-sided relationship:
- Talk to the other person: The first step is to have an honest conversation with the other person about how you feel. Explain that you feel like the relationship is one-sided and that you need more from them.
- Set boundaries: If the other person is not willing to make changes, it’s essential to set boundaries. You can start by reducing the amount of time and effort you invest in the relationship.
- Focus on other relationships: Don’t put all your energy into a one-sided relationship. Instead, focus on building and nurturing other relationships that are more balanced.
- Prioritise self-care: One-sided relationships can be emotionally draining, so it’s essential to prioritise self-care. Take time for yourself to do things that make you happy and reduce stress.
- Let go: If the other person is not willing to change and the relationship is causing you more harm than good, it may be time to let go. Remember that it’s okay to outgrow relationships and that letting go can be liberating.
One-sided friendships and relationships can be emotionally draining and damaging to our self-esteem. It’s essential to recognize the signs of a one-sided relationship and handle the situation in a healthy way. Whether it’s having an honest conversation, setting boundaries, focusing on other relationships, prioritising self-care, or letting go, there are ways to handle a one-sided relationship that can lead to a happier and healthier life.
And remember, the word says, ‘a man who has friends must himself be friendly’-Proverbs 18:24
Be the type of friend you want others to be to you!
Love and Blessings,
Adja
From My Heart-Media by Adja Amy 