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7 Signs You’re Being Taken for Granted in Your Relationships
While we all do it sometimes, being able to spot the signs of being taken for granted will allow us to be better in relationships
We all have very different and fulfilling relationships in our lives, whether that be with friends, romantic partners, family, etc…
However, there are times when we feel like we are being underappreciated or taken advantage of. We have all been there.
It’s important to recognize that all relationships ebb and flow. There will be times when you need to fill your loved one’s cup more than your own and vice versa. Compromises may need to be made but the key element to ensuring that it is sustainable and healthy is that it needs to be reciprocal.
My social circles have shrunk significantly and it’s made me reflect on the type of people I like to surround myself with and what it means to have a meaningful connection. I used to have tumultuous friendships and partnerships that made me feel like I was taken for granted. As I move towards a new chapter in my life, where I’ll be introduced to new people and friends, it’s gotten me thinking about the signs I now watch for.
What it Means to be “Taken for Granted”
Being “taken for granted” is a vague statement. And it’s vague for a reason.
Everyone’s feelings and circumstances around being taken for granted will be deeply personal and different.
If we look at the macro-definition of take for granted, it means “to accept without question or objection.”
And if you think about it, there are many things that a lot of us (especially in Western, privileged countries) take for granted. Access to clean, running water, education, food, shelter, etc… This is no different in our individual relationships.
For our personal relationships with another person, it can mean several things as well.
- Failure to appreciate somebody’s value
- Taking advantage of their good qualities and actions
- Treating them in an indifferent matter
