Whether your efforts fall short in their view because he or she is that hard to please (e.g., she doesn't feel you buy her enough stuff) or he fails to recognize your varied contributions (e.g., chores, emotional support, and so on), being with such an individual can be draining, if not demoralizing.
What's frustrating is that the person may never come to appreciate all the time, energy, sweat, and tears we've invested into the relationship.
When you arrive at this juncture, one really has to ask whether trying to salvage the relationship is even worth it anymore.
Broaching the subject may or may not help.
He or she may take offense to your claims and insist that they do value your efforts, even if their actions contradict their words.
And even if it does help initially, the person may revert to their old habits once they sense all is fine and dandy again.
People who never seem content tend to display all or some of these characteristics:
- They always seemed primed for a fight.
- They nitpick at the smallest things.
- It is very difficult to reason with them as they take offense to nearly everything you say.
- Good deeds either go unnoticed or become expected.
If they can't bother to be open with you -- and if they continue to assume that they're not in the wrong -- you may need to seek couple's therapy. And if that's off the table, the relationship's days are likely numbered.
Those who decide they're done opt to conserve their mental and emotional resources for someone who actually values their efforts.
You deserve better. No one should have to get the cold shoulder. No one should feel as though their time and energy is in vain.
Someone out there will relish all you do for them and make you feel as special as you make them feel.
Relationships in which one person fails to recognize the other's contributions go down the drain.
Sadly, many end in this fashion, and if you're one of the many who find themselves in one-sided relationships, just remember: You're no obligated to stay.
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