Everyone loves a romance that feels like a burning fire. Yet, there are some connections that operate at a milder temperature. In these cases one partner’s adoration outshines the others. It’s an unbalanced dynamic presents a unique set of challenges.
When someone likes you more than you like them it can cast a shadow over the relationship landscape. It leaves both parties to navigate the intricacies of mismatched emotions. It’s a terrain filled with uncertainty, where expressions of love and reciprocity cannot find harmony.
Recognize the Signs
One of the most telling signs of uneven feelings in a relationship is the disparity in how affection is expressed and received.
“That person consistently expresses how they feel about their partner. They are the ones who take the initiative to make any kind of plan and always take the initiative when making calls or sending messages,” AuraDe Los Santos said.
De Los Santos is a seasoned clinical and educational psychologist. She explains this type of dynamic can bring feelings of lack of reciprocity.
“The person who shows the most feelings may feel that they are not getting back equally or what they feel they deserve,” she stated.
This can lead to feelings of resentment and dissatisfaction. On the other hand, De Los Santos says, the person who receives the most affection and attention may feel pressured and emotionally exhausted.
Communication and Expectations
Communicating these feelings can be tricky but necessary for maintaining a healthy relationship. De Los Santos suggests being open about how you appreciate all that your partner does.
“Express how good you feel about your partner’s displays of affection and make them feel that you value what they do,” she explained. “After this, you can say that you do not have equal feelings not because they do not deserve it, but because you both are learning to know each other more and how to be more empowered in the relationship.”
Managing expectations is also crucial. De Los Santos says that the best way to navigate these instances is to have a conversation early on in the relationship.
“Talk early on about relationship expectations so that you can be more in control of your feelings and know what waters you are navigating,” she advised. “Let the relationship evolve and don’t get ahead of yourself. Enjoy the moment and let the feelings develop.”
Navigating a relationship where feelings are uneven requires open communication, empathy, and a willingness to understand each other’s perspectives. It’s about finding a balance that works for both partners, ensuring that each feels valued and respected in the relationship.