We all desire a love life where we’re cherished, respected, and appreciated. But sometimes, without realizing it, we fall into certain habits that allow our partner to take us for granted.
It’s no secret that relationships need constant nurturing and attention. And yes, that includes breaking away from those pesky patterns that lead to a one-sided love affair.
Let’s get down to business. I’m about to share with you seven habits you need to kick to the curb if you want your partner to value you as much as you deserve. These are tried and tested strategies from my years of experience in the love and relationship field.
Ready? Let’s dive in!
1) Always being the “yes” person
It’s human nature to want to please those we love, and sometimes, this desire can lead us to always agreeing with our partner, even when it’s not in our best interest.
This habit might seem harmless at first, but over time, it can lead your partner to take your agreement for granted. They may come to expect that you’ll always bend to their will, and in the process, your own needs and desires can get sidelined.
Saying “yes” all the time also sets a precedent in the relationship that is hard to break. Once your partner is used to getting their way without any opposition, they might start seeing you as someone who lacks assertiveness or individuality.
Remember, a healthy relationship involves mutual respect and compromise. You’re allowed to have your own opinions and make your own decisions. It’s not just about keeping the peace but also about ensuring that both partners feel heard and valued.
If you find yourself constantly saying “yes” just to avoid conflict or please your partner, it might be time to reassess. Start standing up for yourself more and expressing your own wishes – it’s a crucial part of maintaining a balanced relationship.
2) Over-communicating
Yes, you read that right. While communication is often touted as the key to a healthy relationship, there’s a point where it can become too much.
Over-communicating might seem like a good way to keep your partner in the loop about every minute detail of your day or every passing thought in your head, but it can soon lead to an information overload.
Your partner may begin to feel overwhelmed, and important discussions may get lost amid trivial chatter. Worse, they might start taking your constant communication for granted, thinking they can catch up anytime because there’s always more coming.
Instead, aim for meaningful conversations that truly add value to your relationship. Choose quality over quantity and allow some breathing room for you both. Remember, a little mystery and personal space never hurt any relationship!
3) Neglecting self-care
Self-care is not selfish, it’s essential. Believe me, I’ve seen countless relationships where one partner constantly puts the other’s needs above their own, leading to burnout and resentment.
In my book, Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship, I talk about the importance of maintaining your individuality and taking care of yourself in a relationship.
If you constantly neglect your own needs and desires for the sake of your partner, they may start taking you for granted. They might see you as always available and start assuming that you don’t have anything important of your own going on.
Start taking time for yourself. Do the things you love, pursue your interests, spend time with your friends. It’s all about balance.
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When you take care of yourself, you not only have more to give to your relationship but also command the respect and appreciation that you deserve. Trust me, your relationship will be healthier and more fulfilling when both partners are happy individuals too.
4) Taking on all the responsibilities
Sharing responsibilities is a vital part of any partnership. If you find yourself doing all the heavy lifting, whether it’s household chores, paying bills, or making all the decisions, then you’re setting yourself up to be taken for granted.
Eleanor Roosevelt once wisely said, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” Similarly, no one can take you for granted without your permission. If you shoulder all the responsibilities, it’s easy for your partner to fall into the comfort of having things done for them.
In my own relationship, I’ve found that sharing tasks not only eased my workload but also made my partner appreciate the effort that goes into running our lives smoothly.
Start delegating tasks and responsibilities. It’s okay to ask for help and share the load. This will not only reduce your stress but also give your partner a chance to contribute and appreciate your efforts.
5) Not setting boundaries
Boundaries are like invisible lines that define what we are comfortable with and how we expect to be treated. Without them, it’s easy for others, including our partners, to overstep and take us for granted.
In my early days of dating, I used to think that having no boundaries meant I was easy-going and fun. But I soon realized it only led to me feeling disrespected and undervalued.
So, I started setting clear boundaries. And guess what? It made a world of difference. My relationships became healthier, and I felt more respected.
If you want to be valued in your relationship, start by setting boundaries. Communicate clearly about what you’re comfortable with and what’s a no-go zone for you. This might seem difficult at first, but with time, it will make your relationship stronger and more respectful.
6) Avoiding conflicts
Conflicts are a natural part of every relationship. And how we handle them can define the health and longevity of our union.
In the past, I used to dread conflicts. I would go to great lengths to avoid any form of argument or disagreement, thinking it would keep the peace in my relationship. But all it did was suppress my feelings and allow my partner to take me for granted.
Then I came across this quote by Albert Einstein, “In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.” It completely changed my perspective. I started viewing conflicts as opportunities for growth and understanding.
Addressing conflicts head-on in a respectful manner helps to clear misunderstandings and build a more robust connection. It shows your partner that you value your relationship enough to work through the hard stuff.
So, don’t shy away from conflicts. Face them, work through them, and come out stronger on the other side.
Do you want more insights like these? Follow me on Facebook at Tina Fey’s Love Connection to stay updated with my latest articles and relationship advice!
7) Ignoring red flags
Let’s get real here. Ignoring red flags doesn’t make them disappear. If anything, it can lead your partner to think that their problematic behavior is acceptable, and they might start taking you for granted.
Red flags can range from disrespecting your time, constant criticism, to not considering your feelings. When you notice such behavior, it’s important to address it immediately.
Ignoring or downplaying red flags won’t make your relationship stronger. It will only lead you to a place where you’re constantly disrespected and undervalued.
Remember, everyone deserves to be in a relationship where they are loved, respected, and appreciated. So don’t ignore the warning signs. Address them head-on and demand the respect you rightfully deserve.
Understanding the core of the matter
At the heart of every relationship is a profound understanding and mutual respect for one another. It’s about seeing the individuality in your partner, and not taking them for granted.
Similarly, it’s about standing up for yourself, setting boundaries, and making sure your needs are met.
As someone who has navigated through the complexities of relationships, I’ve realized that these habits are essential in building a healthy, loving relationship where both partners feel valued.
To delve a little deeper into this topic and truly understand the dynamics of a successful relationship, I recommend watching this insightful video by Justin Brown.
He wonderfully explores the complexities of finding a life partner and shares his personal experiences and lessons learned. I think it perfectly complements what we’ve been discussing.

In the end, remember that change starts with you. By saying goodbye to these seven habits, you’ll take a big step towards building a healthier, happier relationship where you’re cherished and not taken for granted.
And isn’t that what we all want?
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