From the book: The Emotionally Destructive Relationship

Seeing it is close to impossible; Stopping it sounds dangerouse; Surviving it CAN BE DONE!
There are many relationships in my life that I have tried to restore. My mom, my friends from childhood, my kids; but I always seemed to be the one who always took the initiative to make these relationships work. I put forth the effort until I crumbled and felt unworthy of these people.
I am learning more and more about healthy relationships.
To have a friend we must first be a friend. In order to have a healthy relationship, both persons need to put forth effort, both parties must be active within the relationship. If only one puts forth effort the relationship will deteriate.

Spouse #1 spends two days during the week with friends and most of their weekends with their friends instead of home with the family.
Eventually spouse #2 begins to feel that they are carrying the entire load ALONE! and feels ALONE!
Spouse #2 begins to feel as though they are seen as only a caretaker: someone to clean, cook, care for the kids, do laundry, pay the bills, and to provide sex when spouse #1 wants it. It looks and feels as though spouse #1 doesn't care about the feelings and needs of spouse #2.
Can you relate to this? Do you know of someone who can relate to this?
Do NOT ask the following: 'Am I giving more' do to the fact this will only make the problem worse.
DO ask: 'Is there a habitual pattern of disregard for my feelings, needs, desires, goals, or perspectives?'

dis·re·gard [ dìssri grd ]

~transitive verb (past and past participle dis·re·gard·ed, present participle dis·re·gard·ing, 3rd person present singular dis·re·gards)

~Definition:
1. ignore somebody or something: to ignore or pay no attention to somebody or something

2. treat somebody or something disrespectfully: to treat somebody or something with contempt or without respect

~noun~

Definition:
*neglect: a lack of attention or respect
*dis·re·gard·er noun
*dis·re·gard·ful adjective
~Encarta® World English Dictionary [North American Edition] © & (P)2009 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Developed for Microsoft by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc.