Loving someone without them feeling the same way. pining for an unreachable person. mutual attraction amongst people who are already involved in other partnerships. love for one's former lover following a breakup. It's critical to acknowledge that unrequited affections are a typical occurrence for people. Understanding the clear symptoms of unrequited love is essential to resolving the situation and moving on.

A relationship that is one-sided is unhealthy for both sides. It is crucial to know when to break off relationships and move on, even though things can still change.

One partner controls practically every element of a one-sided relationship. This covers the kinds of activities you do together as well as the times when you do them. This is also evident in friendships and romantic relationships. This imbalance frequently leads to resentment in the one performing all the effort, which can be emotionally and physically taxing. It's crucial to consider whether or not both people are equally invested in the relationship if you believe that it may be one-sided.

SIGNS OF ONE-SIDED RELATIONSHIPS (when you are already in relationship):

• Long-Term Discontent: Continuous negativity without effort to see the positive side can indicate an imbalanced relationship.
• Stonewalling: Blocking communication can be as toxic as contempt, hindering problem-solving and connection.
• Playing the Victim Card: Frequent victim-playing suggests a refusal to take responsibility, leaving the other person burdened with faults.
• All Play, No Sacrifice: Continuous sacrifices from one partner without reciprocation can lead to an unhealthy power dynamic.
• Disregarding Boundaries: Overstepping boundaries by making decisions for the other person undermines the relationship.
• Constant Justification to Others: Regularly justifying your partner's actions to friends and family may indicate a troubled relationship.
• Rarely Returning Favors or Sharing Secrets: Lack of reciprocity and vulnerability may jeopardize the emotional balance in the relationship.
• Unresponsiveness to Bids for Connection: Ignoring attempts to connect signifies a potential one-sided relationship.
• Possible Causes of One-Sided Love: The other person's feelings are more their problem than yours, yet how you react to their feelings may be influenced by issues or problems you are facing. Sometimes, you may love someone just because you have an idealized mental image of them. Without genuinely seeing them as a complete, complete person with defects and even unattractive characteristics, you are attached to that perfect version of them.
• Some people may be motivated only by a desire for someone they know they can't have. Part of the appeal is that there can never be a true relationship. Being in love with someone who doesn't feel the same way about you allows someone with an insecure attachment style to maintain a distant relationship without developing genuine connections with other people. It takes compassion to love someone and receive love in return, as well as an acceptance of the risk and reward inherent in genuine, two-sided relationships. Remaining in a relationship that isn't real and doesn't encourage you to take risks, be vulnerable, or commit to someone else is made possible by being attached on unrequited love.
• WHEN TO ASK FOR HELP: Coping with unfulfilled affection can result in complex emotions such as grief, rage, and occasionally sadness. Seeking support from a mental health expert could be beneficial if you are finding it difficult to manage due to unsatisfied love.

A THERAPIST CAN HELP YOU IF:

• Struggle to get back to your normal routine.
• Experience feelings of breakup depression.
• Ruminate on negative emotions.
• Have thoughts of suicide or self-harm
• Explore patterns that contribute to poor romantic relationships.

There are many things you can do to move forward after the heartbreak of unrequited love. It may feel impossible now, especially as you begin the healing process, but know that this takes time and healing can happen.