8 signs you make yourself too available to potential partners, according to a relationship expert

Tina Fey by Tina Fey | December 10, 2024, 5:03 pm

Are you often bending over backward for the people you’re dating—canceling plans, replying to texts instantly, or always being the one to initiate conversations?

If so, you might be making yourself too available to potential partners without even realizing it.

While being kind, responsive, and eager to connect are great qualities, there’s a fine line between showing interest and overextending yourself.

When you make yourself too available, you risk setting an unbalanced dynamic that can lead to being undervalued or even taken for granted in relationships.

As a relationship expert, I’ve seen how these subtle behaviors can impact self-worth and sabotage the potential for meaningful connections.

In this article, we’ll uncover eight signs that you’re making yourself too available—and how to find a healthier balance that respects both your time and your emotional needs.

1) You’re always available

There’s a difference between being flexible and always being available.

In the world of dating, this distinction is key.

It’s one thing to make time for someone you’re interested in, but it’s another to be at their beck and call.

As a relationship expert, I often see people who are constantly available for potential partners.

This means they’re ready to drop everything at a moment’s notice, just to spend time with the person they’re interested in.

Sure, it might seem considerate and accommodating at first.

But over time, it can send a message that you don’t value your own time or that you’re overly eager.

The truth is, everyone appreciates a little chase.

It’s okay to make them wait a little or to have other engagements that you prioritize.

2) You’re too quick to compromise

Another sign you might be making yourself too available is if you’re always the one making compromises in potential relationships.

Now, don’t get me wrong.

Compromise is a crucial part of any relationship. But it should never be a one-way street.

If you find yourself constantly giving in, changing your plans, or setting aside your own desires just to please the other person, then it’s time to take a step back.

I’ve experienced this myself and let me tell you, these type of one-sided relationships can lead to resentment and dissatisfaction down the line.

You deserve just as much consideration and respect as your potential partner.

So don’t sell yourself short by always being the one who gives in.

3) You’re quick to invest emotionally

This one’s a biggie. Are you one of those people who start planning the wedding after just a couple of dates?

If so, it’s a surefire sign you’re making yourself too available.

Emotional investment is great, but it needs to be matched and it needs to be earned.

Jumping in too soon can actually scare off potential partners and leave you feeling vulnerable and disappointed.

In my own life, I’ve seen how emotionally investing too quickly can cloud judgment and lead to poor relationship choices.

In my book, Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship, I explore this concept in depth, offering practical advice on how to maintain emotional balance in a relationship.

Before getting deeply emotionally invested, take your time to understand the person you’re dating and evaluate if they’re truly the right fit for you.

This will lead to a healthier and more satisfying relationship in the long run.

4) You’re too open, too soon

This might sound counterintuitive. After all, isn’t honesty and openness the foundation of a good relationship?

Yes, but there’s a difference between being open and oversharing too early.

It’s important to let a relationship develop naturally and allow personal details to be shared over time.

If you find yourself revealing your deepest secrets, fears, and future plans on the first few dates, you might be making yourself too available.

This can overwhelm your potential partner, making them feel pressured to reciprocate or commit prematurely.

It’s okay to maintain some mystery and allow things to unfold at a comfortable pace.

This not only keeps your partner intrigued but also helps establish a solid foundation for a long-term relationship.

5) You overlook red flags

In my experience as a relationships expert and through personal experiences, I’ve seen how easy it is to overlook red flags when you’re eager to be in a relationship.

When you make yourself too available, you’re likely to ignore or rationalize away behaviors that would otherwise be deal-breakers. It could be:

  • Constant cancelations
  • Disrespect
  • Lack of real interest in your life

You might think, “They’re just busy,” or “They’ll change with time,” but the truth is, these are clear indicators that the person isn’t valuing you or the relationship as much as they should.

Being too available can cloud your judgment and hinder you from seeing these red flags early on.

It’s important to recognize these signs and address them, rather than turning a blind eye in the hope of things getting better with time.

6) You don’t value your alone time

This one might sting a bit, but it’s a harsh truth that needs to be addressed.

If you don’t value your alone time, it’s a significant sign you’re making yourself too available.

When you’re constantly seeking companionship or validation from potential partners and neglecting your own solo time, it can indicate a lack of self-love and self-respect.

Being comfortable in your own company is not just healthy, it’s essential.

It shows that you’re confident, independent, and aren’t relying on someone else for happiness.

If you find yourself constantly seeking out dates or feeling anxious when alone, it might be time to reevaluate your relationship with yourself.

It’s okay to be single, and more importantly, it’s crucial to love yourself first before entering a relationship.

7) You’re always the initiator

Are you always the one reaching out? Setting up dates, sending the first text, initiating conversations?

If so, you might be making yourself too available.

In my own dating experiences, I’ve learned that balance is essential.

Both parties should be equally interested and invested in moving the relationship forward.

Being always the initiator might give the impression that you’re too eager and can create an imbalance in the relationship dynamic.

8) You neglect other relationships

Here’s a hard truth: if you’re neglecting your friendships and familial relationships for the sake of potential partners, you’re making yourself too available.

Often, in the pursuit of love, we can unintentionally sideline the other important people in our lives.

These are the people who’ve been with us through thick and thin and deserve our time and attention too.

If you find yourself constantly canceling plans with friends or missing family dinners for a new love interest, it’s time to hit the brakes.

A romantic relationship is just one facet of your life, not the entirety of it.

It’s crucial to maintain a balance and ensure that all your relationships get their deserved attention and care.

Final thoughts

Recognizing these signs in your dating behavior can be a real game-changer.

If you’ve identified with any of these points, it might be time to reassess your approach towards potential partners.

By setting boundaries, prioritizing your own needs, and letting connections unfold naturally, you signal self-respect and confidence, which are essential for attracting the right kind of partner.

For more insights and practical advice on how to navigate your relationships better, check out my book Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship.

As you reflect on these signs, ask yourself: are you giving too much too soon, or are you creating space for a mutual connection to grow?

The key to lasting love isn’t in how available you are—it’s in how well you honor yourself while building a relationship that feels truly reciprocal.

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