13 Subtle Signs He is Taking You for Granted

You’ve been dropping hints about that romantic restaurant you'd love to visit. Yet, if your boyfriend is still asking, What's for dinner? while engrossed in his Netflix binge, it might be a sign he's taking you for granted.

Let's break down the signs that your boyfriend may not be appreciating you as he should, and more importantly, how to navigate your way back to feeling valued—or decide if it’s time to move on and focus on yourself.

Ah, relationships—a delicate balance of respect, understanding, and effort from both sides. But what happens when it feels like you’re dancing solo, while your partner seems to be... who knows where?

Healthy relationships require balance. Think of love as an emotional bank account where both partners make deposits and withdrawals of affection, care, and attention.

When one person is constantly depositing and the other is either withdrawing or ignoring the account altogether, the balance tips, pushing the relationship toward emotional bankruptcy.

From a psychological perspective, consistent effort from both partners isn’t just ideal—it’s necessary. Relationships thrive on mutual validation, support, and shared responsibilities.

If your boyfriend is regularly neglecting your needs, whether consciously or unconsciously, it could stem from his own insecurities, past traumas, or even an avoidant attachment style. But that’s a topic to explore in more detail later.

# Emotionally checked out

You’re sharing details about your day, but he’s glued to his phone, responding with the occasional “uh-huh.”

Being physically present yet mentally absent is a clear sign that he may be taking you for granted. Relationships need active engagement, and if he's constantly in his own world, it's time for a serious talk.

# You’re always the one planning

Remember that weekend trip you suggested or the new cafe you wanted to try?

If you’re always initiating plans while he passively goes along or worse, doesn't even do that, it points to a lack of effort on his part.

# Communication gaps

You send a heartfelt message, and all you get in return is “K.” Ouch. Or maybe you’ve been left on read more times than you can count. When communication starts to feel like a one-way street, that’s a red flag.

# Lack of appreciation

The new dish you cooked, the effort you put into looking great for date night, or supporting him through tough times—if compliments and gratitude are becoming rare, he may not be recognizing your efforts.

# Lower on his priority list

He remembers every detail about his friend’s party or the latest sneaker release, but when it comes to your plans together, they’re easily forgotten.

If his other commitments consistently come before your shared time, it’s something to be concerned about.

# Assuming instead of asking

Maybe he assumes you’ll handle the chores or expects you to cancel your plans for his. When he stops consulting you and starts making assumptions, it’s a clear sign he’s taking you for granted.

# Frequent cancellations

Plans with you seem to be the first ones canceled when something “better” comes along.

If he regularly cancels or reschedules your plans, it shows a lack of respect and commitment.

# Dwindling affection

It’s not just about grand romantic gestures; relationships thrive on the little things—like a hug, a kiss, or holding hands.

When these small acts of love start disappearing, it could signal deeper problems.

# He’s unwilling to make sacrifices

Relationships require small compromises, whether it’s time, effort, or preferences. If he refuses to make even minor adjustments for your happiness, it speaks volumes about his priorities.

If he’s unwilling to step outside his comfort zone for your sake, it’s a major sign he’s taking you for granted.

# He gets upset when you don’t do things for him

Has he ever been annoyed because you didn’t anticipate his needs or handle a specific task for him?

While relationships shouldn’t be about keeping score, if he’s upset about unspoken expectations, it points to an imbalance in appreciation.

# Inconsiderate with texts and calls

While 24/7 communication isn’t necessary, basic courtesy is. If he consistently ignores your texts or only responds when it’s convenient for him, it’s more than just poor phone etiquette—it suggests he’s taking your availability for granted.

# Compliments have vanished

If the sweet comments have disappeared, and you can’t remember the last time he complimented your outfit or acknowledged your talents, take note. While constant praise isn’t required, regular appreciation is key to keeping a relationship vibrant.

# Disinterest in your day

Those thoughtful check-ins about your day or discussions about shared interests? If they’ve become a rarity and he’s more focused on everything but your experiences, it’s time for a reality check.