In a society that often prioritizes men’s needs, if you’re a woman who feels neglected, it can be challenging to make others understand your plight.
More often than not, people may find you needy when you’re actually just feeling overlooked.
In fact, you’ve probably been labeled as clingy more times than you care to remember.
Does that sound familiar? If it does, get ready to delve into the 10 things women do in relationships when they feel neglected.
1) They start to distance themselves
A clear sign that a woman feels neglected in a relationship is when she starts to create distance.
She may enjoy being with her partner, but when she feels neglected, she tends to pull back and spend more time alone or with other people.
This is not because she doesn’t love her partner, but rather because she’s trying to protect herself from the pain of feeling unappreciated or overlooked.
People may label her as aloof or detached because of this, but that’s not the whole story.
She is creating distance because, when she’s alone or with others, she doesn’t feel the sting of neglect.
It’s a coping mechanism, not an indication of her feelings towards her partner.
2) They become unusually independent
Another thing women do when they feel neglected in a relationship is to become unusually independent.
I remember when my own relationship was going through a rough patch. My partner was so caught up in his work and personal projects that he hardly had time for me. I felt overlooked, unimportant.
Instead of dwelling on the neglect, I started focusing more on myself. I took up yoga classes, started reading more, and even learned how to cook some fantastic dishes.
I was doing everything on my own and didn’t need him for anything, not even companionship. And while it felt empowering, it was also a sign – a sign that I was feeling neglected in our relationship.
This newfound independence can often be mistaken for indifference or a lack of interest in the relationship.
But really, it’s just a way for women to cope and find fulfillment when they feel neglected by their partners.
3) They stop sharing their feelings
Communication is fundamental in any relationship. However, when women feel neglected, they often stop sharing their feelings with their partners.
This isn’t out of spite or unwillingness to communicate. It’s more of a protective measure.
A study published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships found that people often withdraw from their partners emotionally when they feel neglected or unappreciated.
Instead of opening up about their feelings and risking further neglect or misunderstanding, they choose to keep their emotions to themselves.
This can be misconstrued as being secretive or detached, but it’s really just a response to feeling unvalued in the relationship.
4) They become more social
When women feel neglected in their relationships, they often seek the attention and emotional connection they’re missing elsewhere.
This can lead to them becoming more social than usual. They might start going out more with friends, joining clubs or groups, or even spending more time on social media.
It’s not that they’re trying to replace their partner or find someone else. Instead, they’re simply trying to fill the void that’s been created by feeling overlooked.
5) They stop making an effort
Let’s be brutally honest here. When a woman feels neglected in her relationship, she often stops making an effort.
Why should she keep trying to look her best, plan romantic dates, or even keep the house tidy when she feels like her efforts are going unnoticed?
This lack of effort can be mistaken for uncaring behavior, but it’s far from that. It’s a silent cry for attention, a plea for her partner to notice her again, to appreciate her efforts and reciprocate them.
6) They start to question their worth
It’s truly heartbreaking, but when a woman feels neglected in her relationship, she often starts to question her own worth.
She may begin to wonder if she’s not pretty enough, not smart enough, or simply not good enough for her partner. These self-doubts can lead to a decrease in self-esteem and overall happiness.
It’s important to remember that these feelings of inadequacy are not a reflection of her true worth or value. They’re just a response to feeling overlooked and unappreciated.
7) They throw themselves into work or hobbies
When women feel neglected in their relationships, they often find solace in other areas of their lives.
It’s kind of like when you’re having a bad day, and you decide to lose yourself in a good book or binge-watch your favorite TV show. It’s a distraction, a way to escape the harsh reality for a while.
So, they might start working longer hours or taking on more projects. Or maybe they’ll pick up a new hobby or spend more time doing something they love.
8) They start to pamper themselves more
Here’s a more cheerful sign – when women feel neglected in their relationships, they often start to pamper themselves more.
It’s like a mini rebellion, a way to show that they can take care of themselves just fine, thank you very much!
They might start having regular spa days, buying that dress they’ve been eyeing for a while, or even treating themselves to a fancy dinner.
Some people might see this as them being self-absorbed or materialistic. But really, it’s just their way of saying, “I deserve to feel good about myself, even if you’re not making me feel that way!”
9) They start setting boundaries
Here’s the harsh truth – when a woman feels neglected in her relationship, she starts setting boundaries.
She might start saying ‘no’ more often, or she might demand more respect and consideration from her partner.
And you know what? Good for her! It’s about time she stood up for herself and demanded the treatment she deserves.
Some might see this as her being difficult or demanding. But let’s get real here – it’s not about being difficult, it’s about self-respect. It’s her way of saying, “I deserve better, and I won’t settle for less.”
10) They contemplate ending the relationship
The most significant and painful sign of all is when a woman starts contemplating ending the relationship.
It’s not a decision taken lightly, and it often comes after a long period of feeling neglected and unappreciated.
It’s her final attempt to protect herself, to move away from the hurt and into a place where she can feel valued and loved again.
People may see this as her giving up or not trying hard enough to make things work. But in reality, it’s her bravest step towards self-love and respect.
Final thoughts
It’s tough to feel neglected in a relationship. You can be labeled as needy, clingy, or even demanding, but that’s simply because society often fails to understand the pain of feeling unappreciated—especially within the confines of a love bond.
So if you’re a woman who’s been feeling neglected, remember—it’s not your fault. You have so much love and value within you that they have failed to acknowledge.
Only those who are willing to make the effort to appreciate and love you fully deserve to experience the amazing person you truly are.