13 Things You Don’t Realize You Do That Make Your Partner Feel Unloved

13 Things You Don’t Realize You Do That Make Your Partner Feel Unloved

Relationships are tricky, and sometimes the little things can make a big difference. It’s easy to fall into habits that might accidentally make your partner feel less than loved. Let’s uncover these habits and turn things around for a happier, more loving partnership.

1. Not Listening During Conversations

When your partner is talking, do you really listen, or are you just waiting for your turn to speak? Not actively listening can make your partner feel like their thoughts and feelings aren’t important to you. Remember, communication is a two-way street! This habit can make your partner feel ignored and undervalued. It’s important to show that you value their opinions and experiences. Try to engage with what they’re saying, ask questions, and show empathy. This not only strengthens your bond but also shows that you respect and cherish their presence in your life.

2. Forgetting Small Details

Forgetting small details about your partner’s life – like their favorite food, important dates, or even stories they’ve shared – can be hurtful. It might seem trivial, but remembering these little things shows you care and pay attention. When these details are overlooked, it can make your partner feel as though they aren’t memorable or important enough for you to remember such things about them. Making an effort to remember and bring up these little details can make a huge difference. It shows that you’re truly listening and that you value your partner’s preferences and experiences.

3. Want a partner? Attract love with the power of your mind.

Sweetn is a new research-based startup that shows you how to call love into your life with the power of your mind. Take our quiz, and try our tools—they can transform your energy and your love life in a few weeks. Just click here.

4. Being Glued to Your Phone

Constantly checking your phone during meals or conversations can make your partner feel like they’re playing second fiddle to your social media feed. It’s about being present – when you’re with your partner, try to really be with them. This constant distraction signals that whatever is happening on your phone is more important than the moment you’re sharing with them. It’s crucial to set aside your digital devices and give your partner undivided attention. This act of being fully present is a powerful way to show love and respect.

5. Not Making Time for Them

Everyone’s busy, but consistently failing to make time for your partner can send the message that they’re not a priority. It’s important to balance your schedule to ensure your partner feels valued. When you’re always too busy for quality time, it can lead to feelings of loneliness and neglect in your partner. Making an effort to schedule regular date nights or just some quiet time together can reinforce the message that they are an important part of your life.

6. Skipping Out on Physical Affection

A lack of physical affection – hugs, kisses, or even a casual touch – can leave your partner feeling unloved. Physical closeness is an important aspect of most romantic relationships, and its absence can be deeply felt. This lack of physical connection can create a gap in your relationship, making your partner feel distant and disconnected. It’s important to regularly express your love through physical touch, which can be a powerful way to communicate affection and strengthen your bond.

7. Failing to Appreciate Their Efforts

If your partner does something for you, big or small, and it goes unacknowledged, they might feel taken for granted. A simple ‘thank you’ can go a long way in making them feel appreciated and loved. Whether it’s cooking a meal, tidying up, or simply being there for you during a tough day, acknowledging these actions shows that you don’t take their efforts for granted. Expressing gratitude is a key component in nurturing a loving and mutually respectful relationship.

8. Not Sharing Your Own Feelings

Keeping your feelings bottled up can make your partner feel disconnected from you. Openly sharing your thoughts and emotions is key to creating a strong, intimate bond. When you’re not open about your feelings, your partner may feel excluded from your inner world. This can lead to misunderstandings and a sense of isolation. Sharing your vulnerabilities and inner thoughts can bring you closer together and foster a deeper understanding and connection.

9. Making Decisions Without Consulting Them

Making significant decisions without involving your partner can make them feel like their opinions don’t matter to you. In a partnership, it’s crucial to make decisions together, respecting each other’s input. This collaborative approach in decision-making shows that you value their perspective and consider them an equal partner in the relationship. When decisions are made unilaterally, it can lead to feelings of resentment and power imbalance.

10. Criticizing More Than Complimenting

If your conversations are more about pointing out faults than acknowledging positives, it can be damaging. Balance constructive criticism with compliments to show you appreciate and love your partner. Constant criticism can erode your partner’s self-esteem and make them feel unappreciated. On the other hand, compliments and positive reinforcement can boost their confidence and reinforce their worth in your eyes.

11. Not doing stuff together

Spending quality time together doing activities you both enjoy is essential. If you constantly avoid participating in activities your partner likes, they might feel like you’re not interested in sharing experiences with them. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and a sense that you’re not willing to invest in things that bring them joy. Making an effort to engage in these activities shows that you value their interests and want to be a part of their world.

12. Ignoring Your Partner’s Needs

Everyone has different emotional and physical needs. Not acknowledging or addressing your partner’s needs can make them feel neglected and unimportant in the relationship, and ultimately unloved. It’s important to understand and cater to these needs, whether they’re for emotional support, space, or physical intimacy. Ignoring these needs can create a divide between you and your partner, making them feel undervalued and unloved.

13. Comparing Them to your exes/other people you know

Drawing comparisons between your partner and your exes, even if not meant harmfully, can be incredibly hurtful. It’s important to appreciate your partner for who they are, without making them feel like they have to compete for your affection. This comparison can chip away at their self-esteem and create insecurity in the relationship. Celebrate your partner’s unique qualities and let them know why they are special to you, rather than making them feel like they fall short compared to others.

14. Not Participating in Mutual Problem-Solving

When issues arise in the relationship, not being an active participant in resolving them can make your partner feel like they’re carrying the burden alone. It’s crucial to tackle problems together, showing that you’re a team. This involves actively listening to their concerns, offering support, and working collaboratively to find solutions. When one partner withdraws from problem-solving, it can lead to feelings of isolation and frustration. Engaging in mutual problem-solving demonstrates your commitment to the relationship and your willingness to work through challenges together. It reinforces the idea that you both have an equal stake in the relationship’s health and happiness.

Originally from Australia, Emma Mills graduated from the University of Queensland with a dual degree in Philosophy and Applied Linguistics before moving to Los Angeles to become a professional matchmaker (a bit of a shift, obviously). Since 2015, she has helped more than 150 people find lasting love and remains passionate about bringing amazing singletons together.

Emma is also the author of the upcoming Hachette publication, "Off the Beaten Track: Finding Lasting Love in the Least Likely of Places," due out in January 2025.
close-link
close-link
close-link
close-link