Being in a relationship means showing up – not just in the grand gestures, but in the little things too.

Those subtle acts of love that prove you are valued, appreciated and most importantly, not taken for granted.

Is your partner willing to go the extra mile? Or are some actions missing, leaving you feeling under-appreciated?

We’ve compiled 7 things that your partner should be willing to do for you.

If these are missing from your relationship, it’s possible you’re being taken for granted.

Stay tuned and let’s dive in together.

1) Communicate openly

Communication is the lifeblood of any relationship.

But it’s not just about talking.

It’s about sharing your thoughts, your fears, your dreams, and your feelings. Being open, honest, and vulnerable.

Are they willing to have these conversations?

Or do they shut down, brush you off, or simply change the subject?

If it’s the latter, they might be taking you for granted.

Because when someone values you, they value your words and your emotions.

They listen, they respond, and most importantly, they make an effort to understand.

2) Show up when it matters

Actions speak louder than words, right?

I remember a time when I was going through a rough patch at work.

My partner knew about it, and they also knew that I had a particularly tough day ahead of me.

Still, I didn’t expect them to take a day off from their own busy schedule to be with me.

But they did. They were there to provide moral support, to listen, and just be there for me.

It was a simple act, but it meant the world to me.

If your partner consistently fails to show up when you need them most – be it emotionally or physically – it can feel like they’re taking your presence in their life for granted.

Being there for each other in times of need is what strengthens the bond in a relationship.

3) Appreciate the little things

Let me share a little story.

One day, I was rushing to get to work, and in my haste, I left my lunch on the kitchen counter.

I didn’t realize it until I was halfway to the office.

When I got to the office, guess who was waiting at the door with my lunch in their hands? My partner.

They had noticed, driven all the way to my office during peak traffic just to make sure I ate that day.

It’s these little things that show they value and appreciate me.

Does your partner notice and appreciate the little things about you? Or do they overlook them?

Remember, love isn’t just about grand gestures.

It’s about appreciating the small moments that make up your everyday life together.

4) Prioritize your needs

A relationship is a partnership.

It’s about balancing each other’s needs and making compromises so both parties feel valued and satisfied.

Your partner should be willing to put your needs at the forefront, just as you would for them.

Ask yourself. Does your partner make time for you even when they’re busy?

Do they consider your feelings before making decisions that affect both of you?

If not, they might be taking you for granted.

Don’t forget, when someone loves you, they make an effort to meet your needs and ensure your happiness.

5) Respect your boundaries

Boundaries are integral to a healthy relationship.

They help us communicate our needs clearly, maintain our self-respect, and prevent resentment.

Couples with clear set boundaries are actually happier. 

Does your partner respect your boundaries?

Or do they cross them without a second thought?

In a truly loving relationship, both partners understand and respect each other’s boundaries, because they value each other’s comfort and individuality.

6) Support your ambitions

I’ve always been a dreamer.

From wanting to become a published author to starting my own business, I’ve had my fair share of ambitious goals.

And you know what?

My partner has been there every step of the way. They’ve believed in me, even when I doubted myself.

That support, that belief – it’s priceless.

Does your partner support your dreams? Or do they dismiss them?

7) Show you love in ways that matter to you

We all have different love languages.

For some, it’s about words of affirmation.

For others, it’s acts of service, quality time, receiving gifts, or physical touch.

The key is understanding and embracing your partner’s love language, and showing love in a way that resonates with them.

Are they doing that for you?

If not, they might be taking you for granted.

True love is about making an effort to understand your partner’s needs and going out of your way to make them feel loved in their own unique way.

Final thoughts

If you’ve found yourself nodding along to these points, it might be time to take a step back and evaluate your relationship.

Remember, it’s not about blame or pointing fingers.

It’s about understanding your worth and ensuring that you’re valued and appreciated in your relationship.

You deserve a partner who communicates openly, shows up when it matters, appreciates the little things, prioritizes your needs, respects your boundaries, supports your ambitions, and loves you in ways that matter to you.

Change may not happen overnight.

It takes time and patience. But with self-awareness and open communication, it’s definitely possible.

So reflect on these points.

Have those important conversations with your partner. Stand up for what you deserve.

Because in the end, a relationship is a partnership.

It’s about two individuals coming together to enrich each other’s lives.

It’s about love, respect, and mutual appreciation.

Never settle for anything less than what you truly deserve.