If you don’t want your partner to take you for granted, say goodbye to these 7 habits

Are you starting to feel like your efforts in your relationship are going unnoticed?

It’s a frustrating place to be, isn’t it?

When you care deeply about someone, the last thing you want is to feel taken for granted. Yet, sometimes, without even realizing it, we engage in habits that can encourage this dynamic.

As a relationship expert, I’m here to shed some light on this. Today, we’re going to explore seven habits that could be subtly contributing to your partner taking you for granted—and why letting go of them can bring balance and respect back into your relationship.

Ready to reclaim your worth and shake things up? Let’s dive in.

1) Always being available

In the world of relationships, availability is a double-edged sword.

Being there for your partner is important. It’s part of what makes a relationship strong. But there’s a big difference between being supportive and being always available.

When you’re always at their beck and call, it can inadvertently send the message that your time isn’t valuable. That you don’t have anything else going on. And guess what? That’s when they start taking you for granted.

The key is to strike a balance. Be there for your partner when they need you, but also make sure you have your own life. Your own hobbies, interests, and commitments.

It’s okay to say “no” sometimes. It’s okay to have boundaries. And it’s okay to prioritize your own needs. Because the more respect you show for your time, the more they’ll respect it too.

2) Never arguing

Sounds strange, right? We’re often told that a good relationship is a peaceful one, where arguments are few and far between.

But here’s the thing – never arguing isn’t necessarily a sign of a healthy relationship.

When you avoid arguments completely, it might mean you’re holding back on expressing your feelings or opinions. You might be letting things slide just to maintain the peace. That’s not healthy.

Arguing, in moderation and in a respectful way, can actually be beneficial for your relationship. It shows that you care enough to voice your concerns, that you’re invested enough to fight for what matters to you.

Of course, this doesn’t mean you should pick fights over every little thing. It just means that if something truly bothers you, speak up. Have those difficult conversations. Because your thoughts and feelings matter.

3) Over-compromising

In relationships, compromise is vital.

…but there’s a limit.

If you’re always the one bending and adjusting, it’s not a compromise anymore. It’s self-sacrifice, and it can lead to your partner taking you for granted.

I’ve seen this happen too often in my work. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that if you’re accommodating enough, if you’re understanding enough, everything will be smooth sailing. But that’s not how it works.

Healthy relationships are a two-way street. Both partners need to give and take, adjust and accommodate. If it’s always you making the concessions, it’s time to reassess.

Stand your ground when necessary. It’s crucial for maintaining respect in your relationship.

4) Ignoring your own needs

One of the biggest mistakes people make in relationships is ignoring their own needs. It’s easy to get so caught up in taking care of your partner that you forget to take care of yourself.

But here’s the thing, you can’t pour from an empty cup. This is well backed by experts like those at Psych Central who note that neglecting self-care can lead to a whole host of bad things like low energy, feeling hopeless and even strain with your partner.  

I’ve experienced this firsthand. In my eagerness to be a supportive partner, I’ve sometimes overlooked my own needs. But over the years, I’ve learned that self-care isn’t selfish — it’s necessary.

If you want your partner to appreciate you, start by appreciating yourself. Nurture your own needs and desires. Because when you love and respect yourself, it sets the standard for how others should treat you.

5) Not setting clear boundaries

Sure, in a relationship, you’re meant to be close—but this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have boundaries.

Boundaries aren’t walls that separate you from your partner; they’re guidelines that protect the health of your relationship. When you don’t set clear boundaries, you risk overextending yourself and allowing behaviors that might make you feel disrespected or undervalued.

For example, if you let your partner interrupt your work or disregard your need for personal space, it can signal that your priorities are secondary. Over time, this dynamic can lead to them taking your time and effort for granted.

Healthy boundaries establish mutual respect. They help your partner understand your limits and foster an environment where both of you feel valued. Whether it’s setting aside “me time,” maintaining friendships outside the relationship, or communicating what behavior is unacceptable, clear boundaries are a must.

6) Over-explaining yourself

Do you often find yourself justifying your every decision, action, or feeling to your partner?

While explaining things occasionally is normal, over-explaining can become a habit that undermines your confidence and sets the stage for being taken for granted. When you constantly feel the need to defend your choices, it signals that you’re seeking validation or approval—possibly even for things that shouldn’t require it.

For instance, explaining why you need alone time or why you couldn’t respond to a text right away may seem harmless. But when done excessively, it can create a dynamic where your partner expects explanations for everything, diminishing mutual respect and trust.

Healthy communication doesn’t mean justifying yourself at every turn. It’s about expressing your thoughts and feelings with confidence and trusting that your partner respects your decisions. Sometimes, a simple “This is what I’ve decided” is enough.

7) Pretending everything is okay

This might be the hardest habit to break, but it’s one of the most important. Pretending everything is okay when it’s not can lead to resentment, misunderstandings, and yes, being taken for granted.

It’s easy to put on a brave face. To swallow your feelings and keep the peace. But in the long run, it’s damaging. It sends the message that your feelings aren’t important, that your partner’s comfort matters more than your truth.

So let’s stop pretending. Let’s be honest about our feelings, our struggles, our disappointments. It might be uncomfortable at first, but it’s the path to a healthier, more respectful relationship.