"Friendships are primarily sustained by reciprocity. They don't require a perfect balance of effort at all times. But they can't really survive without a general sense that care, interest, and effort have been flowing both ways over time."
"In one-sided friendships, such balance slowly breaks down. One person, often unknowingly, takes on the responsibility to initiate all meetings, to listen more than they are listened to, and to adapt to the changing needs of the friendship."
"Research shows that these kinds of relationships are common, difficult to name, and uniquely draining because they violate our expectations of mutual connection without triggering clear alarm bells."
One-sided friendships often lack reciprocity, leading to feelings of emptiness and emotional fatigue. These relationships may not involve overt neglect or cruelty, yet they can be draining. Social exchange theory indicates that healthy friendships balance emotional support and effort. In one-sided friendships, one person typically initiates contact and provides support, while the other benefits without reciprocating. This subtle imbalance can create confusion, as the friend may not exhibit obvious unkindness, but still contributes to emotional exhaustion.
Read at Psychology Today
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