5 Clear Signs You're Loving Someone Who Can't Love You Back
Annanya Saxena | Sep 26, 2025, 18:38 IST
relationship advice for one-sided love
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Highlight of the story: Do you feel anxious, unseen, or constantly giving more in your relationship? These are classic signs of one-sided love. From always texting first to feeling physically disconnected, or being kept secret, this article explains 5 major signals someone doesn’t share your feelings. Learn how to trust your instincts, stop wasting energy, and focus on relationships that bring mutual happiness and love.
Unrequited love happens to millions of people every year. One-sided relationships drain your energy and waste precious time. When someone doesn't love you back the signs show up quickly but many people ignore them. The pain feels real because your brain chemistry changes when you fall for someone who can't return your feelings. Learning to spot these warning signs helps you avoid months or years of heartache. Here are the warning signs that show when your feelings aren't being returned.
You text first every morning. You call to make plans. You suggest meeting up while they rarely reach out on their own. When you stop making contact the silence stretches for days or weeks.
Real relationships need effort from both people. If you're doing 80% of the work to keep things going something is wrong.
Your crush mentions how cute their coworker looks or talks about their dating app matches. They ask for your advice about other romantic interests. This behavior shows they see you as a friend not a romantic partner.
When someone loves you back they focus their romantic energy on you. They don't shop around in front of you or ask you to help them date others.
"When one person consistently gives more physical affection and the other doesn't reciprocate it shows mismatched feelings"
Pay attention to how they respond to your touch. Genuine interest shows through eager physical connection not polite tolerance.
People who want a real relationship with you will claim you publicly. They'll introduce you as someone special not just "a friend."
Deep down you know they don't feel the same way. You make excuses for their behavior or tell yourself they just need more time. You feel anxious about the relationship instead of happy and secure. Your instincts pick up on subtle signals your conscious mind wants to ignore.
Trust your inner voice when it says something doesn't feel right. Your subconscious processes more information than you realize.
Recognizing one-sided love hurts but it also frees you. Stop wasting time and energy on someone who can't give you what you need. Focus on people who show clear interest in return.
Set a deadline for yourself. If someone hasn't shown mutual feelings after 3-6 months of knowing them they probably never will. Don't wait years hoping things will change.
Real love feels mutual. When you find the right person you won't have to guess how they feel about you.
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1. You Always Make the First Move
One-sided love
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You text first every morning. You call to make plans. You suggest meeting up while they rarely reach out on their own. When you stop making contact the silence stretches for days or weeks.
Real relationships need effort from both people. If you're doing 80% of the work to keep things going something is wrong.
2. They Talk About Other People They Find Attractive
Red flags in love
( Image credit : Pexels )
Your crush mentions how cute their coworker looks or talks about their dating app matches. They ask for your advice about other romantic interests. This behavior shows they see you as a friend not a romantic partner.
When someone loves you back they focus their romantic energy on you. They don't shop around in front of you or ask you to help them date others.
3. Physical Contact Feels One-Sided
emotional red flags
( Image credit : Pexels )
"When one person consistently gives more physical affection and the other doesn't reciprocate it shows mismatched feelings"
Pay attention to how they respond to your touch. Genuine interest shows through eager physical connection not polite tolerance.
4. They Keep Your Relationship Status Unclear
Crush anxiousness
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People who want a real relationship with you will claim you publicly. They'll introduce you as someone special not just "a friend."
5. Your Gut Keeps Telling You Something Is Off
Trust your gut in a relationship
( Image credit : Pexels )
Deep down you know they don't feel the same way. You make excuses for their behavior or tell yourself they just need more time. You feel anxious about the relationship instead of happy and secure. Your instincts pick up on subtle signals your conscious mind wants to ignore.
Trust your inner voice when it says something doesn't feel right. Your subconscious processes more information than you realize.
What to Do Next
Set a deadline for yourself. If someone hasn't shown mutual feelings after 3-6 months of knowing them they probably never will. Don't wait years hoping things will change.
Real love feels mutual. When you find the right person you won't have to guess how they feel about you.
Explore the latest trends and tips in Health & Fitness, Spiritual, Travel, Life Hacks, Trending, Fashion & Beauty, and Relationships at Times Life!