If you’re feeling like you’re not being appreciated by your partner, it’s a sign that he may be taking you for granted. Here are a few signs that you may be better off with someone else.
- He doesn’t notice when you get new clothes. Sometimes guys genuinely don’t notice these things, sure, but it’s pretty easy to tell if something is new. Plus, if it’s something you like, you’ll be glowing in it. It’s important that he acknowledges the little things since even though you’re primarily dressing for yourself, part of you wants to look fresh and new for him too.
- He doesn’t ask you if you have plans before booking your weekend. He just assumes you have nothing going on. That, or he figures you’ll cancel when you hear about his idea. Partnerships should always be equal, so if you promised your mom you’d hang with her this Saturday, he needs to honor that (or even tag along, if you think it’d be beneficial).
- No matter how often you tell him, he can’t remember the names of your coworkers. If you like to chat about your workday with him on a daily basis, it’s just disrespectful if he can’t keep names straight. Yes, you’re the one who works with them and yes, sometimes people are bad with names. However, him not knowing after some time shows he’s just not paying attention since he’s not interested in your life.
- He doesn’t acknowledge that your career is important. No matter what you do, your boyfriend has problems acknowledging it’s an actual job or career path. He might have old-fashioned views that men are responsible for work and women are responsible for taking care of the home. Thus, whatever you do to earn a paycheck is just temporary in his eyes, even if you’re extremely career-focused.
- Sometimes it takes him hours to text you back. You know he has his phone on him and checks it all the time but for some reason, getting back to you just isn’t on his top list of priorities. Even if it’s something important, he has a habit of totally flaking.
- You see him checking out other women all the time. It’s natural, but like all human behaviors, it’s also something that can be controlled. Even if you’ve pointed it out and told him it bothered you, he always has an excuse for when it happens. Just know that this is a huge sign that he’s not really checked into your relationship. It doesn’t mean he’s cheating on you but it does mean he’d consider it someday.
- It’s hard for him to remember birthdays and anniversaries. It’s a common “clueless guy” stereotype, but if he seriously has issues remembering to get you a gift and a card, he’s taking you for granted. He probably assumes that you’ll stay with him no matter what so figures it’s not important to celebrate the occasion. These days, every phone is equipped with reminder apps and calendars, so unless he just came out of a coma, he has no excuse.
- You don’t even bother fighting with him since it’ll always be your fault. This guy can’t suck it up and admit he’s wrong. Instead, he’d rather saddle you with the responsibility. In his eyes, every mistake is based on something you did or didn’t do. That’s a lot to take on. Dump this dude for an adult who can admit when he’s made a mistake.
- He doesn’t attend any of your family events. He’s already written it off as being a drag and refuses to go. Maybe it won’t be the most fun event, but it’s kind of important. A real gentleman will understand that it’s important to spend time with both his family and your family. If he refuses to accompany you to a get-together, it shows he has absolutely no interest in getting to know your relatives.
- He interrupts you all the time. He talks over you and doesn’t even recognize it. That means that he’s really not focused in on what you have to say and what you’re feeling. This shows that the relationship is really all about making sure he’s heard. You’re not really a girlfriend to him—you’re just his audience. When you’re dating someone who actually respects you, you’ll realize that yes, your opinion and words do matter.
