Are You Taking Him for Granted? The Checklist to Know for Sure

Time to check yourselves, ladies! Even the healthiest relationships need a checkup every so often. Here are 10 signs you’re taking him for granted.

You’re dating a really nice guy. The way you see it, everything seems just right and perfect. He seems to be around whenever you need him, and he loves lavishing his attention on you. But somewhere along the way, do you hear a little voice inside that tells you he’s the one doing all the giving, and you’re only taking?

Of course, it’s never easy to tell because everyone loves a bit of attention. And you’d never know just how balanced your relationship is until one of you starts holding back on the giving and taking.

Has your boyfriend confessed that he feels like the mule in the relationship, where he’s doing all the hard work and you just respond with wide grins?

It may all be well and good in the infatuation stage of a relationship, but if you truly care about your man and your relationship, remember a relationship is a two-way street. And the only way it succeeds and grows, is if both of you play an equal part in nurturing the romance.

10 signs to know if you’re taking your man for granted

If you want to get an honest answer, ask a sincere question. Here are a few telltale signs you aren’t giving your guy the time and attention he deserves.

If you think you are doing one or all of these things, don’t sweat it! If you care enough to worry about it, you care enough to fix it. So, without further ado, let’s count down the ways you might have wronged him. [Read: 16 ways to show your appreciation for someone you love]

#1 You ignore messages. It might not seem like a big deal, but it could be a sign of something bigger. How long did it take you to respond to his messages when you first started dating? Of course, things change, but it’s important to try to keep some things consistent.

Nobody likes to be left hanging. It’s a crappy feeling to send a message, and then find yourself with an empty screen for hours. We’ve all been there before at some stage in a relationship.

If you are legitimately busy, just say so. “Crazy day at work, talk soon” *kissy face, kissy face* messages can really go a long way and take literally seconds of your time. Don’t overuse these sorts of messages but do remember that, in these situations, almost anything is better than nothing. [Read: 15 reasons why you’re bored with your relationship]

#2 You can’t apologize. What’s more important: your ego or your relationship? It’s easy to get caught up in the idea of “winning” fights and forget about what is really important. If you know you are wrong, fess up. Try to get out of the habit of living in the moment and start thinking about the future.

Nobody likes to swallow their pride but stay focused on the path ahead. If you want to maintain a healthy relationship, be open, honest and ready to admit your mistakes. Put down the boxing gloves and start listening.

#3 His goals are off your radar. Where do you see yourself in a year? How about five years? Most of us have endless lists of goals and aspirations. Do you know his? When you imagine your future, what is he doing?

If you really are going to have a future together, you’ve got to be thinking about him and his needs. If your goals aren’t compatible, it’s time to take a big step back and decide how realistic your future plans are. No matter what, keep the lines of communication open. Keep getting to know him better and learn about his dreams. [Read: 15 rules to be a good partner in the relationship]

#4 He’s not the first person you tell. Think about the funniest thing you saw this week. Remember back to the best news you heard all month. Who was the first person you wanted to tell about it? If you aren’t dying to call him to share every little bit of exciting, terrifying, or hilarious news, something is up.

Ask yourself this: who is the first person you did want to spill the beans to? If he’s not at the forefront of your mind, there might be a bigger issue at hand.

It’s important to be independent and have friendships, but it’s equally important to maintain a strong connection with him. Ultimately, that connection is built on all those little, everyday shared experiences. [Read: Are you cheating? 8 signs you’re accidentally doing it!]

#5 You’re not pulling your weight. Everyone loves to be treated like a princess but, believe it or not, none of us are actual princesses. We are something better: independent, capable women. In a balanced relationship, we take turns helping each other out.

He’s not your servant, handyman, or sugar daddy. If you want someone to boss around, hire an assistant. Remember your guy is a friend and a lover, not hired help. Remember to say please and thank you, and then return the favor.

#6 You don’t make time for his friends and family. Like it or not, none of us live in a bubble. We’ve all got obnoxious uncles, racist grandparents, and old college friends who drink too much. If you want to keep the guy, accept his circle.

Go to kids’ birthday parties, company picnics, and holiday dinners. It’s not a chore, it’s a given. If you are going to be in a real relationship, you need to live your lives together. This very probably includes doing a few things that you don’t want to do. [Read: 25 must-follow relationship rules for successful love]

#7 You’re clueless about romance. You probably know what you like. You might even get on his back about not being romantic enough, but are you romantic? Romance isn’t all about roses and chocolate and carriage rides through the park. The point of romantic gestures is to make the other person feel important and loved. You can do that for your guy.

Far too many women think of romance as a one-way street, but there are an infinite number of things that you could be doing to make your guy feel lucky in love.

Surprise him with tickets to see his fave local band. Dust off your recipe bookmarks and whip up an amazing dessert for him. Grab him something nice when you’re out shopping “just because.” It’s these little gestures that go a long way in making your relationship feel fresh. [Read: The 25 sweetest romantic gestures for everyday life]

#8 You love a good monologue. Do you have conversations on a regular basis or are you just talking at him? When he talks, are you actively listening or just waiting for your turn to speak?

Next time you two are together, perk up your ears and pay attention to who dominates the conversation. Even if he is a quiet guy, you should be giving him an opportunity to share. Ask him open-ended questions. Get him talking and learn the art of listening. Make it a habit to do regular check-ins to make sure you aren’t dominating all the conversations.

#9 You don’t know how he spends his time. When is the latest time you asked your man about his day? Do you follow up on things? Ask him about his hobbies? You don’t have to have everything in common, but it’s important to stay connected. If you haven’t already, make a real effort to learn about his interests. Let him pick out a movie. Go on an adventure with him.

You’ll probably hate a few things, but, if you keep an open mind, you are sure to find a few things that are a bit interesting. Either way, keep trying. Learn to appreciate his excitement and try to keep his interests on your radar. [Read: 25 ways to make your guy feel appreciated and cared for]

Even little things, like asking him how a work project is going, does make a difference. Show him you listen to him and are honestly interested in what he does with his time.

#10 You don’t know why you’re together. Ouch. Honestly ask yourself what you love about him. What attracted you to him? Why is he the greatest guy that you have ever met? If you sincerely can’t answer these questions, you’ve got a real problem on your hand. [Read: 12 clear signs you’re the selfish one in the relationship]

Sometimes people just end up together. Sometimes we simply *shudder!* settle. Don’t. Even Mr. Right will have some annoying habits and make you feel completely fed up at times.

But the good should definitely outweigh the bad. If you can’t truly sit back and reflect on how lucky you are, you need to seriously reconsider the future on your relationship.

[Read: How to be the best girlfriend: 25 ways to leave him addicted]

Alright, ladies, fess up! How did you do? Even if you got a 10/10, things aren’t hopeless. If you sincerely love your guy and are dedicated to doing whatever it takes to stay together, you’re in good shape. We all go through busy, crazy, rough times and that’s okay.

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