My Partner Never Compliments Me – Am I Asking for Too Much?
I never expected constant praise, but is it too much to want a compliment every now and then? My partner never compliments me, and lately, it’s making me feel unappreciated. Am I overreacting, or is this a real issue?
Background Information
We’ve been together for five years, and in all that time, I can count on one hand the number of times my partner has complimented me. I try to brush it off, but it’s hard not to notice when other couples express appreciation for each other while I feel invisible.
I go out of my way to compliment my partner—to tell them they look great, that I’m proud of them, that I appreciate them. But I get nothing in return. Not once has my partner told me I look beautiful, even when I dress up for a special occasion.
The Main Conflict
Last weekend, we went to a wedding, and I put extra effort into my outfit and makeup. I was feeling great—until I realized my partner didn’t even glance at me.
On the way home, I finally asked, “Do you ever think I look nice?” They shrugged and said, “I don’t see why I have to say it. You already know.”
That response stung more than I expected.
The Aftermath
Since then, I’ve been feeling hurt and unsure how to approach the topic again. I don’t want to beg for compliments, but I also don’t want to feel this unseen in my own relationship.
I’ve mentioned it before, but my partner always dismisses it, saying, “That’s just not how I am.” But is it really that hard to say something kind once in a while?
Community Reaction
“You deserve to feel appreciated. A small compliment goes a long way.”
“Some people just aren’t expressive, but that doesn’t mean your feelings don’t matter.”
“This could be a love language mismatch. Have you talked to them about what you need?”
“Feeling invisible in a relationship is a serious issue. Don’t ignore it.”
“If your partner refuses to even try, that’s a red flag.”
Final Thoughts
I don’t need endless praise, but I do need to feel valued.
Has anyone else struggled with this? How do you get a partner to be more expressive without feeling like you’re forcing it?
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