All relationships have some give and take, but when a friendship becomes one-sided, it can throw you off balance. Friendships go through phases, so it might be difficult to tell if things are becoming one-sided or if your friend is just having a few bad weeks. If the symptoms continue for months, consider having a talk with your friend, or even ending the friendship. A friendship where both parties do not contribute equally to the relationship can quickly turn toxic.
You Aren't Communicating
One symptom of a one-sided friendship is that you are doing all of the communicating. You call, but she doesn't call you back. Your texts and emails remain unanswered, and she never comments on any of your social media posts. One person should not be responsible for keeping the lines of communication open, according to counselor Melanie Gorman, in a Huffington Post Article titled, "5 Signs It's Time to Kick Your Friendship to the Curb."
Or, You're Communicating Too Much
Alternately, one person in an unbalanced friendship may be communicating too much. If your friend texts you constantly and consults you on just about everything -- but doesn't really return the favor -- this can be a sign that your friendship is one-sided. If you are her sounding board, she should be yours too. If your shoulder is there for her to cry on, day and night -- she should return the favor. A friend that takes advantage of your listening ear, but does not lend one herself, is not a true friend at all.
You Give and He Takes
In a one-sided friendship, one person is always giving, while the other is always taking. If you find yourself always organizing and hosting the outings, being the designated driver and even always picking up the bill, your friendship may be off-balance. A healthy, balanced friendship has reciprocity, according to psychologist Andrea Bonior, in a Psychology Today article titled, "Danger! 5 Friendship Warning Signs."
Or, He Manipulates
A one-sided friendship may leave you feeling used and abused, according to Bonior. Perhaps your friend only hangs out with you because of the people you know or because you have season football tickets. Or, maybe your friend uses criticism to manipulate you -- implying that the football tickets are wasted on someone who doesn't really understand the game. If your friend uses your friendship -- or uses criticism and intimidation -- to get what he wants, you are probably better off not being friends at all.
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