Is Your Partner Entitled? Understanding and Navigating Entitlement in Relationships

Have you ever felt that your partner expects too much without giving much in return? Do you find yourself constantly making sacrifices while your partner seems unappreciative or demanding? These could be signs that your partner has a sense of entitlement—a topic worth exploring for the sake of your relationship’s health.

What is Entitlement?

Entitlement is the belief that one is inherently deserving of special treatment, privileges, or certain rights. While some level of entitlement is normal and can even be healthy, excessive entitlement can be damaging to relationships. It creates an imbalance of give-and-take, where one partner may feel burdened by constant demands and expectations.

Types of Entitlement

Emotional Entitlement

This form of entitlement manifests as a belief that one deserves constant emotional support, attention, or affection, often at the expense of the other partner’s needs.

Material Entitlement

Here, a person believes they deserve gifts, financial support, or other tangible benefits without the necessity for reciprocity.

Time Entitlement

In this case, one partner believes they should be the sole focus of the other partner’s time and attention, often neglecting the other’s need for personal time or outside relationships.

Decision-Making Entitlement

This involves the assumption that one partner should have the ultimate say in decisions affecting both individuals, from minor choices like dinner plans to major life decisions.

Signs of Entitlement in a Relationship

Lack of gratitude or appreciation for your efforts

Frequent complaints or criticisms

Reluctance to compromise

Manipulative or controlling behavior

A lack of empathy or consideration for your feelings and needs

What to Do About It

Open Communication

The first step in dealing with entitlement is to have an open and honest conversation about your concerns. Use “I” statements to avoid sounding accusatory and to focus on how the behavior affects you.

Seek Professional Help

Therapy or couples counseling can provide a neutral setting to discuss entitlement and related issues. It can also offer coping strategies and tools for healthier relationship dynamics.

Set Boundaries

Establish what you can tolerate and what you can’t. Make these boundaries clear to your partner. A relationship should not involve one partner constantly giving and the other constantly taking.

Evaluate the Relationship

If entitlement is causing significant strain and if efforts to address the issue haven’t helped, it may be worth evaluating the future of the relationship. Sometimes, the healthiest option is to part ways.

Entitlement can create an unhealthy imbalance in a relationship. By identifying the signs and types of entitlement, you’re better equipped to address the issue. Open communication, setting boundaries, and seeking professional advice are key steps in navigating a relationship where entitlement is present.