Friendships are supposed to feel easy, supportive, and mutual. But sometimes, you find yourself giving more than you get. You are always there, always reaching out, always making an effort, while the other person barely meets you halfway.

If you have been feeling drained, underappreciated, or just unsure where you stand with someone, it might not be in your head. You could be stuck in a one-sided friendship.

Here’s how to spot the signs, and what you can actually do about it.

1. You’re Always the One Reaching Out

You text first. You call first. You make all the plans. And if you don’t, they do not even try. Days, weeks, or even months pass with nothing from them.

This should tell you where you stand with the person you call your friend. It’s like a bond exists only because you keep it alive.

Friendship should always be a two-way thing. If they never check in or make any effort, it’s a big sign that they don’t value you, and your company the way a friend should.

2. They Talk About Themselves, But Rarely Ask About You

If you are friends with someone who’s only concerned about their own life, it starts to show. Every conversation feels like a one-man show, and everything is always about them.

They vent, unload, and go on and on about their issues, but the moment it’s your turn? Either they change the topic or suddenly have to leave.

Red Flag Alert!

It’s not wrong to need space to talk, but friendships should go both ways. You deserve to be heard too, and should not be treated like a free therapist, especially when your friend doesn’t do the same for you.

3. They’re Never Around When You Need Support

Friends are supposed to be there for you when you need them because, let’s be real, the saying “a friend in need is a friend indeed” isn’t just another deep quote; it actually means something.

But if you are dealing with someone who only shows up for the happy moments and disappears the second things get rough – that says a lot about the friendship.

One-sided friendships show their true face during your low points. And if they keep going MIA whenever you need help or go through a difficult time, it may be time to question if they are meant to stay in your life forever.

4. They Downplay Your Problems

Every time you open up about something – something that’s bothering you, they somehow make it feel like you are being “too sensitive” or “overreacting.”

Instead of listening to your issues and being considerate, they either try to shut you down or start comparing everything to their own problems.

You should not have to shrink your feelings just to keep someone around. A real friend holds space for your struggles, no matter how big or small. And if someone doesn’t? Well, you need to unfriend them.

5. Your Wins Don’t Excite Them

You share good news, and instead of cheering for you, they go silent and act like it’s not a big deal. They might even give backhanded compliments or subtly shift the spotlight back to themselves.

Well, anyone who does that is definitely not your true friend. A friend who does not clap for you when you are winning is NOT sincere with you, and their intentions are not pure.

You deserve to be around people who celebrate you with genuine joy. Keep those who uplift you, not those who always compete with you, and that too in an unhealthy way.

6. They Only Come Around When They Need Something

You know the pattern. They disappear for weeks, then suddenly show up when they need your advice, support, or a favour. It’s always about what they want.

They don’t check on you, they just show up when it’s convenient for them. That’s not friendship – they use you for their benefit.

You should not be friends with such people. Cut off people who only remember you when they need something. Keep the ones who are there even when you have nothing to offer.

Final Thoughts:

Friendship should feel like a two-way street, not a one-sided effort that leaves you drained. If you always find yourself on the giving end and never on the receiving, it’s okay to take a step back.

You don’t have to hold on to people who don’t show up for you. Protect your energy, and be friends with those who genuinely care for you.