10 Subtle Signs He is Taking You for Granted

You’ve been dropping not-so-subtle hints about that dreamy restaurant you’ve been dying to visit. But if your boyfriend’s still glued to his Netflix queue asking, “What’s for dinner?”—well, love, it might be time to consider that he’s starting to take you for granted.

In this piece, we’re diving into the telltale signs that your boyfriend might be coasting on autopilot. More importantly, we’ll help you navigate your way back to a place of mutual appreciation—or decide if it’s time to sail solo for a while.

Ah, relationships. They’re supposed to be a graceful exchange of respect, effort, and understanding. But what happens when it feels like you’re dancing the tango alone, while he’s off doing—well, anything but showing up?

In a healthy partnership, balance is everything. Think of love as an emotional bank account: both partners need to make regular deposits—time, care, attention. When one person is always giving and the other just keeps withdrawing—or worse, ignoring the account altogether—it’s only a matter of time before emotional bankruptcy hits.

From a psychological perspective, consistent effort isn’t a luxury; it’s the lifeline of any relationship. Mutual validation, support, and shared responsibility are non-negotiable.

If your boyfriend is constantly overlooking your emotional needs—whether intentionally or not—there could be deeper issues at play: unresolved trauma, emotional immaturity, or even avoidant attachment styles. But let’s leave that for a deeper dive later. First, let’s spot the red flags.

# He’s there, but not really there

You’re opening up about your day, and he’s half-listening while scrolling through his phone. Being physically present but mentally checked out is a clear sign of emotional neglect.

# You’re the mastermind of every plan

That weekend trip you mentioned? The cute new cafe? If you’re always initiating plans and he’s just tagging along—or worse, indifferent it shows he’s not investing effort.

# Communication feels one-sided

You send a thoughtful message, and his reply is a dry “K.” Or maybe you’re left on read again. If talking to him feels more like a monologue than a meaningful exchange, it’s a red flag.

# Your efforts go unnoticed

Tried a new recipe? Dressed up for date night? Supported him during a rough patch? If he rarely acknowledges or appreciates your efforts, he may be taking you—and your love for granted.

# You’re no longer a priority

He remembers every game, party, and sneaker drop—but somehow forgets your plans. If you constantly feel sidelined by everything else in his life, take note.

# He assumes, rather than communicates

Does he expect you to handle chores or rearrange your plans without even asking? When assumptions replace mutual decisions, it’s a clear imbalance.

# You’re always the backup plan

Your plans are the first to be scrapped when something “better” comes up. If he frequently cancels or reschedules on you, it shows where you fall on his list of priorities.

# Affection is MIA

It’s not about grand gestures—it’s the little things. A hug, a kiss, holding hands. When these tokens of love vanish, it could signal emotional distance.

# Sacrifice is a one-way street

Relationships require give and take. If he’s unwilling to compromise or make small sacrifices for your happiness, it says a lot about his level of commitment.

# He gets upset over unmet expectations

Does he act annoyed when you don’t anticipate his needs—without ever expressing them? If he expects things from you without communicating, and then blames you, it’s a glaring sign of imbalance.