You know those people who take more than they give? The ones who drain your energy and never have your back when you need them? It’s time to face the facts—some people just don’t deserve your love or effort.
We’ve all been there. You give someone a chance after chance, pouring your heart and soul into making a relationship work. Meanwhile, they cancel plans, break promises, and somehow always make you feel like you’re not good enough. The truth is, you deserve so much better. Life is too short to waste on people who don’t appreciate you.
It’s never easy, but cutting ties with these toxic people will open you up to finding the kind of healthy, mutually supportive relationships you crave. The kind where you never have to question your worth or how much you matter to someone else. You have so much amazingness to offer this world; don’t let anyone make you feel otherwise. Starting today, make the choice to surround yourself only with people who fuel your fire and fill your cup in return. You deserve nothing less.
Table of Contents
What Does It Mean When Someone Doesn’t Deserve You?
What does it mean when someone doesn’t deserve you? Simply put, it means they don’t appreciate you and the value you add to their lives. Some signs the person you’re with may not deserve you:
- They constantly criticize and belittle you. Real partners build you up, not tear you down.
- They break promises and let you down frequently. If someone genuinely cares about you, they’ll make an effort to do what they say they will.
- They demand too much of your time and energy but give little in return. Healthy relationships are reciprocal, with both people contributing and compromising.
- They cheat, lie, or keep secrets from you. Honesty and trust are the foundations of a good relationship.
- They try to control or change who you are. The right person will love you for who you are—flaws and all.
- They only reach out when they need something. You deserve someone who makes you a priority in their life, not just an option.
- They make you feel bad about yourself. A caring partner will make you feel good about who you are and support you in pursuing your goals and dreams.
You are a catch, so don’t waste your time on people who can’t see that. Surround yourself with those who treat you well and make you feel like a priority. You deserve nothing less. Value yourself enough to not settle for less than you’re worth. The right person is out there, so keep your head up!
Signs You’re Giving Love to Someone Who Doesn’t Value You
They don’t make time for you. If someone truly cares about you, they’ll make the effort to stay in touch and see you regularly. If they constantly cancel plans or go MIA (missing in action) for days at a time, they probably don’t value you or the relationship.
- They lack empathy. Whether you’re going through a tough time at work or dealing with a personal struggle, the people who love you will show compassion and support. If they lack empathy or seem indifferent to your problems, that’s a major red flag.
- They criticize you constantly. Constructive criticism from people who care about you can be helpful. But if someone is constantly nitpicking, tearing you down, or making you feel like you’re never good enough, they don’t deserve your affection or devotion.
- They break promises and let you down. We all slip up sometimes, but a pattern of broken promises, undependability, and not following through suggests this person doesn’t respect you or your time. You deserve people in your life you can count on.
- They make you feel bad about yourself. The people closest to you should make you feel good about who you are. If someone frequently causes you distress, anxiety, or damages your self-esteem, that is not a healthy or loving relationship. You are worthy of relationships where you feel fully accepted and supported.
At the end of the day, you deserve to be surrounded by people who love and appreciate you for who you are. Don’t waste time and energy on those who can’t value you. Focus on the ones who do.
Some People Don’t Deserve You, So Give to One Who Does
Sometimes, you may feel like you are not good enough for someone or that you have to change yourself to please them. But the truth is, some people don’t deserve you. They don’t appreciate your value, your kindness, your loyalty, or your love. They take you for granted, they hurt you, they betray you, or they ignore you. You deserve better than that. You deserve someone who respects you, who supports you, who cherishes you, and who loves you for who you are. Don’t settle for less than you deserve. Don’t let anyone make you feel unworthy of happiness. You are amazing, and some people don’t deserve you.
1. You deserve someone who puts in the effort.
You deserve someone who makes an effort to show they care. If someone constantly makes excuses for why they can’t make time for you or doesn’t put in the effort to do little things that would make you happy, they likely don’t deserve your affection.
- Do they make an effort to communicate regularly? If days or weeks go by without hearing from them when you’re apart, they probably aren’t making you a priority. You deserve someone who wants to talk to you and keep you up to date on your life.
- Do they remember important dates and events? The people who deserve to be in your life will make an effort to wish you a happy birthday, remember your anniversary, ask how that big meeting at work went, etc. If they constantly forget or ignore major events and milestones, they don’t value you enough.
- Are they there for you when you need them? When life gets tough, the right person will make an effort to support you. If they are nowhere to be found during difficult times but expect you to be there for them, the relationship is unbalanced. You deserve reciprocity.
- Do they make an effort to show they care in little ways? Things like giving you a card or small gift “just because”, offering to help you with chores when you’re busy, or suggesting an activity you’d both enjoy are all signs someone genuinely cares. If they rarely do anything to brighten your day or make you smile, they likely don’t deserve the privilege.
You deserve so much more than someone who merely says they care about you but doesn’t back it up with effort and action. Don’t settle for less than you’re worth. Surround yourself with people who go out of their way to show how much you mean to them.
2. You deserve someone who values open communication.
You deserve someone who values open communication. Relationships require effort from both sides, and part of that is speaking honestly about your feelings, needs, desires, and concerns. Someone unwilling to openly communicate is not worth your time or emotional investment.
Look for these signs that the other person doesn’t value communication:
- They frequently change plans or commitments at the last minute without explanation.
- They avoid difficult conversations and shut down when you try to discuss issues.
- They give vague or misleading answers to direct questions about the relationship or commitment level.
- They make important decisions that affect you both without asking for your input.
Open communication is the foundation of a healthy relationship. If the other person is not willing to put in the work to build that foundation, the relationship will ultimately crumble. You deserve a partner who will listen when you express your needs, share their own feelings openly and honestly in return, and work with you to find solutions to any challenges you face together.
Don’t waste time on someone who won’t give you the basic courtesy of communicating openly and honestly. You merit so much more. There are people out there who will value communication and building a genuine connection. Don’t settle for less than you deserve.
Read more
3. You deserve someone who accepts you fully.
You deserve someone who accepts you for who you are—flaws and all. That person who constantly criticizes how you look, act, or speak is not worth your time or affection.
Find someone who loves you as you are.
Life is too short to waste time trying to please people who find fault in everything you do. Surround yourself with those who lift you up and appreciate you for who you are. If someone makes you feel like you always have to put on an act to gain their approval or meet their unrealistic expectations, they don’t deserve access to your heart.
You want a companion who loves your quirks and imperfections, not one who regularly points them out or makes you feel like you need to change to be worthy of their love. Your worth isn’t defined by what others think of you. The right person will see your beauty, inside and out, and will accept you fully without conditions or judgment. They will understand that real love means embracing all of you—the good, the bad, and the ugly. Don’t settle for less than you deserve.
There are caring people out there who will love you unconditionally for who you are. Save your affections for someone who recognizes your worth and gives you the gift of true acceptance. You are a unique, multifaceted human being, so make sure you end up with a partner who appreciates every side of you. The people who can’t embrace you fully, flaws included, don’t deserve access to your heart. You are deserving of real, unconditional love; don’t accept anything less.
4. You deserve someone who prioritizes your needs.
You deserve someone who will prioritize your needs. Here are some signs the person you’re with may not be giving you what you need:
- They frequently cancel plans or show up late. Your time and feelings aren’t a priority to them.
- They talk over you or ignore your opinions. They don’t value what you have to say. They break promises or fail to follow through. You can’t rely on them, and your needs fall to the wayside.
- They require constant attention and affection but rarely give it in return. The relationship is one-sided.
- They criticize or try to change you. They don’t accept you for who you are.
You deserve a caring companion who will make you feel cherished and respected. Don’t settle for less. Look for a partner who:
- puts in effort to spend time with you. They make you a priority in their lives.
- listens when you speak and considers your input. They value your thoughts and feelings.
Does what they say they will do. You can depend on them and trust that they have your back.
- gives as much as they get. The relationship is a two-way street based on mutual understanding and support.
- accepts you, flaws and all. They appreciate you for who you are, not who they want you to be.
You deserve someone who will be there for you through the ups and downs. Don’t waste time on those who can’t give you the love and care you need. Hold out for the right person who will make you their priority. You’re worth it!
Read more
5. You deserve someone who matches your energy.
You deserve someone who matches your energy and enthusiasm for life. Some people just drag you down and don’t value you for who you are. Recognize these individuals and stop giving them your time and emotional energy.
They criticize you constantly.
Someone who truly cares about you will accept you as you are and support you. People who criticize everything you do, say you’ll never amount to anything, or make you feel like you can never do anything right do not deserve your love or attention. Surround yourself with people who appreciate you for who you are.
The people you allow into your life should make you feel good about yourself. If someone constantly makes you feel inadequate, unattractive, unintelligent, or like you have to change to please them, they are toxic. Remove their negativity and find people who make you feel confident and cared for.
They take, but never give.
Relationships should be balanced. If someone is always taking from you—your time, money, support, etc.—but never gives anything in return, they are using you. You deserve reciprocal relationships where you both give and take. Don’t waste time on people who will bleed you dry and give you nothing back.
They don’t respect your boundaries.
Someone who ignores your boundaries and does not respect your needs, limits, or privacy does not deserve your affection. Healthy relationships are built on mutual respect. Don’t settle for people who cross the line and make you uncomfortable. Surround yourself with those who treat you well and honor your boundaries.
You deserve to be around people who enrich your life, not bring you down. Remove toxic individuals and nurture relationships with those who truly appreciate you for who you are. Your time and love are precious, so spend them wisely on people who deserve them.
Read more
6. You deserve someone who chooses you every day.
You deserve a partner who chooses you each and every day. Not just when it’s convenient for them or when they feel like it. You deserve someone who makes the effort to show you that you’re a priority in their life.
Look for the signs that this person values you and puts in the work to maintain a healthy relationship:
- They communicate openly and honestly. They share what’s going on in their lives and want to know what’s happening in yours.
- They make time for you. They don’t blow you off or cancel plans at the last minute. They set aside time each week to connect, even if life gets busy.
- They express their affection and appreciation. Whether through kind words, small gifts, or physical intimacy, they show you that you’re cared for.
- They support your dreams and interests. They cheer you on and encourage you to pursue the things that matter to you.
- They compromise when needed. Relationships require balance, and this person is willing to meet you halfway.
You deserve so much more than someone who only comes around when it suits them. Don’t settle for less than you’re worth. Hold out for the person who will choose you today, tomorrow and always. The person who will love you fully for who you are – that is what you deserve.
7. You Deserve Someone Who Fights for Your Relationship
You deserve someone who will fight for your relationship through good times and bad. Not someone who gives up at the first sign of trouble or runs away when times get tough. A healthy, long-lasting relationship takes work, commitment and a willingness to push through challenges together.
Don’t settle for less
Do not settle for someone who isn’t 100% committed to you and your relationship. You deserve a caring partner who will stand by your side and face difficulties as a team. Someone who is willing to communicate, compromise and sacrifice to make the relationship work. A person who truly loves you will go the extra mile to strengthen your bond and overcome any obstacles, not look for an easy way out.
You merit a teammate, not an opponent. Find a partner who treats you as an equal and values your input and opinions. Someone who listens to understand rather than just reply. A person willing to accept you as you are – flaws, quirks and all. One who lifts you up and supports your growth and dreams.
Don’t beg for affection
Never beg or plead for someone’s affection or fight to gain their attention and love. You are worthy of someone who gives you their heart freely without reservation or games. Do not waste time on unemotional, detached individuals who make you feel unloved or unappreciated. You deserve so much more.
Surround yourself with people who enrich your life and lift your spirit. Don’t settle for less than you deserve. You deserve real, caring relationships where you and your worth are valued. Keep your head high; your special someone is out there.
Read more
8. You Deserve Someone Who Sees Your Worth
You deserve someone who sees your worth and treats you well. Don’t waste your time on people who make you feel small or unimportant.
They Don’t Value Your Time
Do they frequently cancel plans at the last minute or show up late without apology? Your time is precious, and you deserve friends and partners who respect that. Don’t make excuses for people who continually deprioritize you. Move on.
The people in your life should build you up, not tear you down. If someone frequently points out your perceived flaws and mistakes in a hurtful way, that is a toxic behavior. You deserve to be surrounded by people who appreciate you for who you are. Their criticism says more about them than it does about you.
They Make You Feel Bad About Yourself
The company you keep has a huge impact on your confidence and self-esteem. Pay attention to how you feel after interacting with someone. If spending time together leaves you doubting yourself or feeling worthless, that person does not deserve your affection or attention. Choose to invest in relationships that make you feel good about yourself.
They Take But Don’t Give
Healthy relationships are based on reciprocity. You deserve friends and partners who listen when you need to talk, offer support when you’re struggling, and go out of their way to do nice things for you. Don’t waste time on takers who are never there when you need them but always expect you to be there for them. You deserve so much more.
Surround yourself with people who love and appreciate you for who you are. Don’t settle for less.
Read more
9. You Deserve Someone Who Loves You Unconditionally
There are those in our lives who make us feel less than or unworthy of love. Let them go. You deserve relationships where you feel fully accepted for who you are. Anyone who makes you feel like you need to change core parts of yourself to be worthy of their love does not deserve you.
Life is too short to spend time convincing others of your worth. Surround yourself with people who love you unconditionally, flaws and all. They lift you up and support you, not tear you down.
Ask yourself these questions about your relationships:
- Do I feel like my authentic self around them?
- Do they accept me for who I am?
- Do they add positivity and joy to my life?
- Do they support my dreams and goals?
If the answer is no, it may be time to reevaluate that relationship. Letting go of toxic relationships opens you up to finding people who truly deserve your love and to whom you deserve to give your love in return.
You are worthy, and there are kind souls out there who will see your worth. Do not settle for less. Choose the relationships that nourish your spirit and help you become the best version of yourself. You owe that to yourself.
Reasons why some people don’t deserve you
When it comes to relationships, some people just don’t deserve your time or affection. Here are a few reasons why you should avoid those undeserving of your love:
1. They don’t respect you
If someone constantly puts you down, criticizes you, or makes you feel bad about yourself, they don’t deserve your love. Healthy relationships are built on mutual understanding and respect. Don’t waste your time on those who can’t appreciate you for who you are.
Read more
2. They’re manipulative
Some people will play mind games and manipulate your emotions to get what they want. They may gaslight you or twist facts to make you question your own perception of reality. These emotional vampires will suck the life out of you – don’t give them that power.
3. They’re dishonest
Honest communication and trust are the foundation of a good relationship. If someone frequently lies to you or hides things from you, how can you ever truly connect with them? Don’t ignore the red flags – liars and cheats don’t change, no matter how much you wish they would.
4. They don’t support you
The people who deserve to be in your life will support you through good and bad times. They’ll cheer you on and be there for you when you’re struggling. If someone is constantly critical of your goals and dreams instead of encouraging you, they don’t have your best interests at heart. You deserve people in your corner who will lift you up, not hold you back.
5. They’re selfish
Relationships require give and take, but some people only know how to take. If someone only calls you when they need something, takes advantage of your kindness, or never reciprocates your efforts, they’re too self-centered to deserve your affection. Don’t let their selfishness become your burden to bear.
Those who don’t treat you well don’t deserve you. Know your worth, and don’t settle for less. Surround yourself with people who will love and support you the way you deserve.
Why We Stay in Relationships With People Who Don’t Deserve Our Love
Sometimes we stay in relationships with people who don’t treat us well or deserve our love and affection. Why is that? Here are a few reasons:
1. Low Self-Esteem
If you don’t value yourself, you may feel like you don’t deserve better. You settle for less than you’re worth because you don’t think you can do better. Start building your confidence from the inside out. Focus on your strengths, accomplishments, and positive qualities. Learn to appreciate yourself for who you are.
Read more
2. Fear of Being Alone
The thought of leaving the relationship and being single again can be scary. But being alone is better than being with someone who makes you feel bad about yourself. Face your fear of solitude and independence. Learn to enjoy your own company. Build a support system of people who love and appreciate you.
3. Hope for Change
You keep hoping the other person will change their behavior and start treating you well. But people rarely change in fundamental ways. Don’t waste time waiting for them to become someone else. Accept them as they are, and decide if you want that in your life. You deserve to be in a healthy relationship where you’re respected and cared for.
4. Sunk Cost Fallacy
You’ve already invested so much in the relationship that you feel obligated to stick with it. But time, effort, money, etc. already spent cannot be recovered. Don’t let past investments trap you in a bad situation. The only thing that matters is the present and future. Will staying make you happy and fulfilled? If not, walk away.
The bottom line is that you deserve to be in nurturing, loving relationships where you’re appreciated for who you are. Don’t settle for anything less. Have the courage to let go of people who don’t deserve you, and open your heart to those who do. You’ll be much happier for it.
You Deserve Better: Tips for Moving On
You gave them your heart, and they stomped all over it. Some people just don’t deserve your love and affection. It’s time to recognize that you deserve so much better and move on.
1. Let go of the past
Dwelling on the pain they caused will only make you feel worse. As difficult as it is, try to shift your mindset away from the hurt and betrayal. Forgive them for your own peace of mind, then turn the page. The past is over and done.
2. Focus on yourself
Now is the time to be a little selfish. Do things that boost your confidence and self-esteem, like exercising, pursuing hobbies, or engaging in acts of self-care. Grab coffee with supportive friends who love and appreciate you. Their positivity can help lift you up and remind you of your worth.
Read more
3. Set boundaries
If contact is unavoidable, be firm and clear with your boundaries. Let them know their actions are unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Don’t engage in arguments or long discussions. Say your piece, then disengage. Protecting yourself and your emotional well-being should be a top priority.
4. Look ahead
The darkness will pass, and you will heal. Have hope for new relationships and experiences that will come into your life. Picture the person you want to be, and take steps each day to become that person. In time, you’ll look back and be grateful you had the courage to let go of those who did not deserve your love. The future is bright, so keep your head up!
Conclusion
You deserve the world, so don’t waste your time on people who can’t see that. Surround yourself with folks who appreciate you for who you are and support you in chasing your dreams. The relationships you choose to keep say a lot about how you view yourself, so make sure you’re sending the right message. Don’t let anyone make you feel small or unimportant.
At the end of the day, you’re the only person you have to answer to when you lay your head down at night. Choose to fill your life with love that lifts you up and makes you better. You owe that to yourself.
References
- You There? Men Explain What Happens When They Go MIA By Ann Binlot
- How You Can Love Someone Who Doesn’t Deserve It
Let’s boost your self-growth with Believe in Mind.
Interested in self-reflection tips, learning hacks, and knowing ways to calm down your mind? We offer you the best content which you have been looking for.