At 13, I learned about the concept of the "reacher" and "settler" in relationships from an unreliable source.
As I grew older, I realized that this theory transformed into one partner being more invested than the other.
Characteristics of such relationships may be visible, but only those in the relationship can truly know who loves more.
The one who loves more wakes up beside their partner who is preoccupied with their phone, while the one who loves less may fear they can't find true love.
The one who loves more wonders if their love will ever be reciprocated, while the one who loves less may question if they are capable of feeling such love.
The one who loves more must accept canceled date nights, while the one who loves less may blame themselves for their lack of interest.
The one who loves more is willing to make long drives to see their partner, while the one who loves less may not be willing to put in that effort.
While such relationships can become problematic, it's important to analyze whether it's truly one-sided.
I've been on both sides of this dynamic, and I hope to find a relationship where we're equally invested.
In that future relationship, there will be days when one of us loves less, and days when one of us loves more.