Signs You Are in a One Sided Relationship

Ebeh Christopher
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Ebeh Christopher
Ebeh Christopher is a digital media writer rooted in the Isoko community, committed to publishing clear, well-researched, and trustworthy stories. He covers local trends, lifestyle updates,...
7 Min Read
Photo Credits: Unsplash/Ninthgrid

There is a kind of tiredness that does not come from work or stress. It comes from loving someone and still feeling alone. Many people in Nigeria are in relationships where they are always trying, always adjusting, always explaining, yet nothing really changes.

This is where Signs You Are in a One Sided Relationship becomes an important conversation. Not to shame anyone, and not to tell people what to do, but to help you understand what you may already be feeling inside.

A one sided relationship is not always loud or abusive. Sometimes it is quiet. Sometimes it looks normal from the outside. But inside, one person is doing most of the emotional work.

What a One Sided Relationship Really Means

A one sided relationship is not just about who loves more. Love cannot always be measured equally. It is about effort, concern, and emotional presence.

When one person is constantly showing up while the other is mostly absent, something is wrong. And many people stay in such relationships because they are hoping things will change.

You Are Always the One Making the Effort

Communication Depends on You

One of the common signs you are in a one sided relationship is that communication survives only because of you.

You are the one calling first. You are the one checking up. You are the one keeping conversations alive. If you stop reaching out, days pass without hearing from them.

In Nigeria, people often excuse this with being busy or stressed. And sometimes that is true. But when someone cares, they still find small ways to connect.

Plans Only Happen When You Push for Them

You are the one suggesting dates. You are the one asking to see each other. If you do not plan anything, nothing happens.

Over time, this begins to hurt because it feels like you are forcing yourself into someone’s life instead of being welcomed.

Your Feelings Are Often Ignored or Downplayed

You Feel Like You Are Asking for Too Much

Whenever you express how you feel, the response is dismissive. You are told you are overthinking. You are told you worry too much. You are told to be patient.

Slowly, you begin to doubt your own emotions. You start keeping things to yourself just to avoid arguments.

This happens a lot in Nigerian relationships where emotional expression is not always encouraged. But silence does not heal anything.

Your Happiness Is Not a Priority

When something makes you happy, it does not really matter to them. But when they need support or understanding, you are expected to show up fully.

This imbalance creates emotional exhaustion.

You Make More Sacrifices Than They Do

You Are Always Adjusting Your Life

You adjust your time, your plans, and sometimes even your values to make the relationship work. You compromise often, hoping they will notice and meet you halfway.

But they rarely adjust anything for you.

Sacrifice is part of love, but when it flows in only one direction, resentment slowly grows.

You Feel Guilty for Wanting Basic Attention

You start feeling bad for wanting calls, visits, or emotional reassurance. You tell yourself to endure. You lower your expectations just to keep the peace.

That guilt is not love. It is emotional imbalance.

Effort Is Inconsistent or Only Comes When They Need Something

They Show Up Only When It Is Convenient

Sometimes they suddenly become caring when they need help, money, comfort, or emotional support. Once their need is met, the effort disappears again.

This pattern confuses many people because it gives hope, then takes it away.

Promises Are Made but Rarely Kept

You hear a lot of I will change, I will do better, or things will improve. But actions never truly follow.

Hope keeps you waiting, but reality stays the same.

Signs You Are in a One Sided Relationship Often Appear Quietly

You Feel Lonely Even When You Are With Them

This is one of the strongest signs you are in a one sided relationship. You are technically not single, but you feel emotionally alone.

You cannot fully express yourself. You cannot rely on them emotionally. You carry the relationship mostly by yourself.

You Keep Making Excuses for Their Behavior

You defend them to friends. You explain their absence. You justify their lack of effort.

Deep down, you know something is off, but you are trying to protect the relationship.

Real Life Perspective From Everyday Nigerians

Many people stay in one sided relationships because of hope. Hope that things will change. Hope that love will grow. Hope that patience will pay off.

Some stay because they fear starting over. Others stay because of time already invested.

But if you listen closely, many people later admit they knew something was wrong long before it ended.

Practical Thoughts to Reflect On

Love Should Not Feel Like a Burden

Relationships require effort, but they should not drain you completely. If loving someone constantly leaves you tired and unhappy, it is worth reflecting on why.

Consistency Matters More Than Words

Affection and concern shown once in a while cannot replace steady effort. Consistency builds safety and trust.

You Deserve Mutual Care

Wanting effort, communication, and emotional presence does not make you demanding. It makes you human.

Conclusion

Understanding Signs You Are in a One Sided Relationship is not about blaming yourself or the other person. It is about honesty.

Many people find themselves loving harder than they are being loved back. This happens quietly, slowly, and often without bad intentions.

Taking time to reflect on how a relationship truly makes you feel is important. Because love should feel shared, not carried alone.

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Ebeh Christopher is a digital media writer rooted in the Isoko community, committed to publishing clear, well-researched, and trustworthy stories. He covers local trends, lifestyle updates, and community information with accuracy and simplicity, helping readers stay informed with content they can rely on.
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