Are you tired of feeling like your efforts in the relationship go unnoticed? It’s time to take back control and ensure that you’re appreciated for who you are.

But here’s the kicker: breaking free from the cycle of being taken for granted means letting go of 9 common habits that could be holding you back.

From neglecting your own needs to over-accommodating your partner, these behaviors silently erode the foundation of your relationship. 

Buckle up as we uncover the transformative power of shedding these habits and fostering a partnership built on mutual respect and appreciation.

1) Always being available

We all love being there for our partners and it’s a great feeling, isn’t it?

But here’s the thing. Being available 24/7 can often lead your partner to take you for granted.

There’s a difference between being supportive and being overly available. The latter can actually create an unhealthy dynamic in your relationship.

When you’re always there, no matter what, your partner may unconsciously start to rely on you too much. They might assume you’ll always drop everything for them, which can lead to them undervaluing your time and efforts.

2) Ignoring your own needs

In my past relationship, I became a master of putting my partner’s needs above my own. Dinners, vacations, even the kind of movies we watched – everything was about what they wanted.

I thought it was a sign of a good partner. But over time, I realized this habit was leading my partner to take me for granted.

When you continuously ignore your own needs and wants for the sake of your partner, it sends a message that your desires are not as important.

It took me a while to understand this, but when I started voicing my opinions and needs, the relationship dynamics changed.

My partner started realizing that they’d been taking me for granted and it opened up a healthier dialogue between us.

The lesson here? Don’t forget to prioritize yourself in a relationship. Your desires and needs are just as important as your partner’s.

3) Overlooking small acts of kindness

According to Harvard Health, couples who express gratitude for their partner regularly tend to harbor more positive feelings towards each other.

What does that tell us?

Small acts of kindness may seem insignificant, but they actually play a major role in a relationship. Whether it’s making a cup of coffee for your partner or helping them with a chore, these small gestures are signs of love and care.

However, if you constantly overlook these acts or fail to acknowledge them, your partner may feel unappreciated and eventually, take you for granted.

Therefore, make it a habit to express gratitude for these small gestures. It can be as simple as saying “thank you” or giving them a smile.

This way, you’re not only appreciating their efforts but also encouraging a culture of gratitude in your relationship.

4) Keeping silent about your feelings

Communication is the lifeblood of any relationship.

But many of us tend to hold back our feelings, thinking it’s better to keep the peace than to start a potential argument. We often forget that bottling up emotions can lead to resentment over time.

If something bothers you or you feel taken for granted, speak up. You have a right to express your feelings and your partner needs to understand how their actions affect you.

When you’re voicing your feelings, you’re not starting a fight, but initiating a conversation that can lead to better understanding and mutual respect in your relationship.

5) Making excuses for their behavior

We all make mistakes, and it’s okay to give your partner the benefit of the doubt from time to time.

However, it’s essential to recognize when you’re constantly making excuses for their actions. If they’re not treating you right or taking you for granted, don’t justify it by saying they’re just having a bad day or they’re under a lot of stress.

Making excuses doesn’t solve the problem – it masks it.

It’s important to address the issue directly. Talk to your partner about it and make sure they understand your perspective.

After all, a relationship is about mutual respect and understanding.

6) Not valuing your own worth

Consider this scenario: You’ve always been the one to accommodate your partner’s schedule, constantly rearranging your plans to fit theirs without considering your own needs. Over time, this behavior leads to feelings of resentment as you realize your efforts are going unappreciated.

Then, you decide to make a change. You start prioritizing your own needs and commitments, declining requests that conflict with your plans. You communicate assertively but respectfully, expressing the importance of balancing both of your schedules.

As a result, your partner begins to take notice. They see that you value yourself enough to prioritize your own well-being and happiness. This shift in behavior prompts them to reassess their own actions.

Sometimes, we allow ourselves to be taken for granted because deep down, we don’t fully recognize our own worth. We settle for less than we deserve because we believe that’s all we’re worthy of.

When you start to value yourself, you set the bar for how others should treat you. If your partner sees that you don’t compromise on your self-respect, they’ll be less likely to take you for granted.

7) Fearing confrontation

I used to dread confrontation. The mere thought of having a difficult conversation would make me anxious. So, I would often let things slide, even when I felt taken for granted.

But I’ve learned that avoiding confrontation doesn’t make the problem disappear. In fact, it only makes things worse.

Being afraid of confrontation in a relationship is akin to letting someone walk all over you. It’s important to face these uncomfortable situations head-on and communicate openly with your partner.

It’s not about picking fights, it’s about standing up for yourself and ensuring your feelings are heard and respected. It can be tough, but with time, it gets easier and leads to healthier relationship dynamics.

8) Giving without expectation of reciprocity

Giving is a beautiful part of any relationship. However, it becomes a problem when it’s a one-way street.

If you’re always the one giving – be it time, effort, or emotional support – and your partner rarely reciprocates, they may start to take your generosity for granted.

It’s not about keeping score, but about maintaining a healthy balance in your relationship. If you feel there’s an imbalance, it’s crucial to have an open dialogue with your partner about it.

9) Putting your partner on a pedestal

Here’s something we all need to understand: Our partners, like us, are human.

Putting your partner on a pedestal, idealizing them, or seeing them as flawless can set unrealistic expectations in your relationship. This can often lead to you being taken for granted.

No one is above mistakes. Everyone has flaws and that’s okay. It’s important to see your partner for who they truly are, appreciate their strengths, and accept their weaknesses.

This way, you can foster a relationship based on understanding and mutual respect, where both partners appreciate each other without taking the other for granted.

Boundaries build respect

In conclusion, breaking free from the habits that allow your partner to take you for granted is essential for nurturing a healthy and mutually fulfilling relationship.

By prioritizing self-respect, setting boundaries, and communicating effectively, you assert your worth and create a dynamic where both partners feel valued and appreciated.

Saying goodbye to these 9 habits isn’t just about avoiding being taken for granted; it’s about fostering a relationship built on mutual respect, understanding, and love.

So, take the leap, let go of what no longer serves you, and pave the way for a relationship where both you and your partner thrive.