Inspiring Wishes presents: signs your partner is using you!

Knowing your partner is not who you think they are is certainly not a happy feeling. It’s all about them, their problems, what they like, the things they want to do, and nothing about you. Is this a relationship or they’re just with you because they have something to win?

There’s always the possibility that they’re something on their minds that makes them act weird and in this case, a quick conversation can solve a lot of problems. But if you feel that something’s off, it might be because you’re in a one-sided relationship. So, how can you tell if your partner is using you? Your gut will tell you, but before you make a big decision, here are all the signs you should look out for!

PS: While it’s devastating to discover that your partner is using you, ignoring these signs can only hurt you in the long run, so be careful. Let’s begin!

Have you ever wondered if your partner is using you?

1. They never say thank you

Couples do services for one another, and even if you’re in a relationship, you have to say thank you when your significant other does something nice for you. Whether it’s driving them somewhere, prepping lunch or dinner, cleaning up after a meal, bringing you coffee in bed, or doing their laundry, a thank-you is always a good idea.

If your SO doesn’t show you gratitude in any way, whether it’s doing something for you in return, saying they appreciate your efforts, kissing you, or saying thank you, they might feel entitled and believe that they deserve to be treated like a prince or a princess.

This is one of the first signs your partner is using you, and it can develop serious problems in the long run. If you feel like you’re being mistreated, you should talk to your partner ASAP and see if there’s something you can do to fix it. You shouldn’t feel like you have to do something, especially if they don’t pick up at all. Talk to them and see how they respond. If they don’t change anything in their behavior even after a serious discussion, you can be sure your partner is using you.

2. You always pick up the check

I’m not one to say that men should always pay the check because I’m a strong believer that men and women are equal and the financial aspect should be discussed in a relationship. Long story short, I think both men and women should make turns when it comes to picking up the check.

Speaking of that, if they always let you pick up the check when it’s time to leave a restaurant or a coffee shop, it could be a sign that your partner is using you. Discussions about money can indeed be uncomfortable for many people, but they’re necessary for a healthy and honest relationship. And the moral of the story here is that no one should feel pressured to always pay the bill.

3. You’re emotional needs aren’t important

When two people are in a good, balanced relationship—where they genuinely enjoy each other’s company—their emotional needs aren’t only taken into consideration but also made an effort to be addressed. If your needs don’t matter to your SO, it’s a sign of a toxic relationship.

You can tell your partner is using you if you always have to be there for them, shower them with love and attention, and help them when they need it, but you don’t get the same treatment in return. This type of behavior can make you feel unhappy and unworthy, so try to talk to them and see if there are any ways you could solve it.

4. You don’t feel appreciated

Do you feel appreciated and loved by your significant other? Let’s face it: couples fight, and there might be moments when you’re so angry, tired, or upset that you don’t even want to look at your partner’s face. But these moments pass, and although you might not feel your best, the person you’re with is still the most important one to you.

However, if you constantly have the feeling that your SO doesn’t appreciate you, it might be because they don’t. You should feel valued, important, and cherished, and if these criteria aren’t met, it might mean your partner is using you.

Tell your partner that you want to feel appreciated. Keep in mind that we all desire recognition and gratitude—they’re universal needs, so tell them that if they expect the efforts, you expect the thanks.

5. Everything is about them

Your partner is using you if they make everything about themselves and think you don’t even exist in the relationship. Unfortunately, if all of your conversations are about them, their qualities, their problems, and their needs, and you’re barely mentioned, you’re part of a one-sided relationship.

Maybe they do that because they want to be the center of attention all the time, and you can provide them with that, or perhaps they just need someone to chat with. But are they really in love with you? Probably not.

If you sense that they use you, take a step back, regroup, and reflect on your relationship, because the situation is not ideal. Do you enjoy being with your partner? Do you like being in this relationship? Are you happy in this relationship? Do you feel like yourself? If none of these answers are positive, it’s time to make a change, because you deserve someone who knows how to treat you right.

6. They always ask you for favors

While it’s okay to ask for help occasionally, constant requests for favors coupled with a lack of willingness to help you when you need it are red flags, and it means that your partner is using you.

They always ask you to do things for them, and they pretend they’re all nice, cute, and bubbly until their wish is fulfilled. Be careful, because these people are good manipulators, and there’s a big chance that they won’t return the favor, even if you two are a couple.

7. You start to resent them

Do you start feeling resentful when you’re around your significant other? If everything you fight or talk to them makes you feel unbothered, like you don’t even care what happens or what they tell you, it could be a sign that things aren’t going well between you two.

I know it can be hard to break a relationship, especially if you’ve been together for a long time, but isn’t it better to be happy on your own than miserable with someone? Don’t get me wrong, I’m a strong believer that problems in a relationship can be solved as long as both partners are willing to make things work, but if that’s not the case, you’d better call it quits.

If you need more insights on how to be certain that your partner is using you, I recommend you check out this book. I’m sorry if your relationship seems to fall apart, but have faith, be patient, and you’ll figure everything out. Trust me.

Do you know any other signs your partner is using you? Let us know in the comments below! Until next time, here’s another fantastic article for you: 9 Dominant Partner Red Flags You Should NEVER Ignore