Taking People for Granted: How to Avoid It and What Happens if You Do
Do you have someone in your life who always seems to be there for you, no matter what? Someone who listens to you, supports you, and makes you feel loved and appreciated?
If you’re lucky enough to have someone like this, it’s important to make sure you don’t take them for granted. What does it mean to take someone for granted?
Taking someone for granted means that you expect them to always be there for you, without giving much thought to how they might be feeling. You rely on them to meet your needs, take care of you, and provide emotional support, without putting in the effort to reciprocate.
Perhaps you have become so accustomed to their kindness and compassion that you no longer recognize just how valuable they are to you. Maybe you assume that their loyalty and help are a given.
Either way, taking someone for granted means that you expect them to meet a certain standard, without showing any appreciation for all that they do. How to ensure appreciation?
So, how can you ensure that you don’t take someone for granted? The key is to practice gratefulness, reciprocity, and gratitude.
Tips to Show Appreciation
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Say “thank you”.
It’s such a simple thing, but saying “thank you” can go a long way to show your appreciation for someone.
Whether it’s a small gesture or a big one, expressing your gratitude will make the other person feel valued and appreciated.
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Do something for them.
Actively try to help the person, instead of waiting for them to ask for your help. The next time you’re with them, offer to help with a task or errand.
Even small things, like making them tea or holding a door open, can show that you appreciate them.
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Remember the good times.
Think back to all the times the other person has been there for you, especially when you needed them the most. Remember their kindness and compassion, and try to show that same level of care and concern for them.
Signs of Being Taken for Granted
If you aren’t careful, taking someone for granted can have negative effects on your relationship. Here are a few signs that you may be taking someone for granted:
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Resentment
If the other person begins to feel like they are taken for granted, resentment can start to build up. They might feel that they are not being given the same level of care and consideration that they provide to you.
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Trust Issues
When you take someone for granted, you might start to think that they will always be there for you, no matter what.
This can lead to a lack of trust, as you assume that their loyalty is guaranteed.
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Loss of Self-Worth
If you’re the one being taken for granted, it can lead to a loss of self-worth and self-esteem. You might feel like you’re not good enough or that your efforts are not appreciated.
This can lead to feelings of sadness and depression.
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Growing Apart
When one person in a relationship feels like they are being taken for granted, it can create distance between the two of you. Over time, you might find that you’re growing apart, and the relationship is no longer as fulfilling as it used to be.
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Negative Memories
If someone is consistently taken for granted, they may start to associate negative memories with the relationship.
This can lead to feelings of regret and sadness, and it can be difficult to move past these negative thoughts and emotions.
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Insecurity
If someone is constantly being taken for granted, they may begin to feel unsure about their place in the relationship. They might start to question whether they are really valued and appreciated, and these feelings of insecurity can be damaging.
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Overcompensation
If you’ve been taking someone for granted, you may start to realize the damage that you have caused.
In an effort to make things right, you might start overcompensating, which can feel insincere and forced, further damaging the relationship.
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Reserved Behavior
If someone is being taken for granted, they may become more reserved and distant. This can be a way of protecting themselves from being hurt or disappointed.
Irreversible Outcome of Taking Someone for Granted
If you continue to take someone for granted, it can have harmful and long-lasting effects on your relationship. Sometimes, these effects can be irreversible.
You might find that the other person starts to withdraw, or they may even decide to end the relationship altogether. In conclusion, taking someone for granted means that you’re expecting them to provide you with a certain level of support, without putting in the effort to show your appreciation.
If you’re not careful, taking someone for granted can lead to resentment, trust issues, a loss of self-worth, and other negative outcomes. It’s important to practice gratitude and reciprocity, and to show your appreciation for the people who are there for you.
With a little effort, you can avoid taking someone for granted and build stronger, more fulfilling relationships.
How to Stop Taking Someone for Granted
We all have individuals in our lives that we value and hold dear, but it is easy to fall into the trap of taking them for granted. Whether it is a significant other, family member, close friend, or colleague, we tend to become accustomed to their presence and begin to rely on them without giving much thought to how they may be feeling.
In order to avoid drifting apart and taking someone for granted, here are some actionable steps you can take to prevent taking people you care about for granted.
Revisit Responsibilities
One way to prevent taking someone for granted is by revisiting the roles you and the other person play within your relationship. Recognize the purpose of your connection and how it has evolved over time.
Think about how you can contribute more meaningfully to your relationship and maintain a balance of give and take. Rather than taking the individual for granted, think about how you can show appreciation through small acts of kindness or do your part in reciprocating efforts they have made on behalf of the relationship.
Reconnect
Reconnecting with someone you care about can help to re-establish the bond between you and prevent taking them for granted. You can spend quality time bonding with them, from taking walks through nature to having meaningful conversations about your lives and aspirations.
Reconnecting is about being present and in the moment with them, setting aside distractions and focusing on your relationship.
Prioritize
It is important to prioritize your relationship with the person you care about. Show them that they matter to you by giving them your full attention, whether in-person or through technology.
Prioritizing their well-being and happiness in your life and your connection can go a long way in preventing taking them for granted. You can achieve this by learning their preferences, likes, and dislikes, and taking these into consideration when making plans or decisions that involve them.
Communicate
Communication is crucial in any relationship, and it plays a significant role in preventing taking someone for granted. Rather than assuming how the other person feels, create an open dialogue to understand their thoughts and feelings.
Encourage them to talk about their experiences with you and share your own as well. Work on resolving conflicts effectively while prioritizing teamwork and mutual needs.
Acknowledge Mistakes
Part of preventing taking someone for granted is acknowledging your missteps and taking ownership of them. Owning your mistakes goes a long way in preventing repeated instances of taking someone for granted.
Part of this is being accountable for your actions and offering apologies when necessary. Instead of expecting someone to forgive and forget, show that you understand and are committed to learning from your mistakes.
Vacation
Taking a vacation or a staycation together can be a refreshing and creative way to prevent taking someone for granted. This can involve taking part in new activities, discovering new locations, and refocusing on your connection.
Personal time away from distractions can be transformative, helping to renew your bond and feelings of appreciation between you.
Daily Greeting
One simple but impactful way to prevent taking someone for granted is by greeting them daily. Whether its a kiss on the forehead, an I love you, or a gentle hug, start your day by recognizing their importance in your life.
This simple gesture can set the tone for the rest of your day and help prevent taking them for granted.
In conclusion, taking someone for granted is easy to do but can have negative effects on your relationship over time.
By reconnecting, prioritizing, communicating, acknowledging mistakes, and taking time off together, you can prevent taking someone for granted and maintain a fulfilling relationship built on mutual love and respect. Remember to recognize their importance, both in your life and relationship, and appreciate the efforts that they make to keep your relationship strong.
In conclusion, taking people for granted is easy to do, but it can have harmful effects on our relationships. To avoid taking people for granted, we must revisit the responsibilities we have within our relationships, spend quality time, prioritize, communicate, acknowledge mistakes, and take time away together.
By actively putting in effort to show appreciation and gratitude, we can build and maintain fulfilling relationships with the people we love and care about. It is important to recognize their value and never take them for granted, nurturing our relationships with intentionality and care.
