How to handle unrequited love

Falling in love is the most incredible feeling in the world. However, it can also be incredibly lonely if your beloved does not return your affection. You try everything to get this person to love you back, but they are not responding to your advances.

What is unrequited love?
Unrequited love is a longing for a person who does not share your affection. No matter how much you pursue the object of your affection, they will not share your feelings. Even those in a committed relationship can suffer the pain from unrequited love. The person you love could leave you unexpectedly.

Signs that your partner does not reciprocate your feelings:
The sure-fire sign that the one you love does not return your love is a lack of communication. If your partner leaves without giving you a reason why, they are showing you that you are not their priority.
Here are some other signs to look for:

• They cancel plans on you at the last minute.
• They do not respect your time.
• They cruelly criticize you.

What to do when your beloved does not feel the same.
Similar to the 12-step program, the first step to recovering from unrequited love, is to admit that there is a problem.
After you admit to yourself that your feelings are not being reciprocated, the next step is to remove yourself from the situation. This can be quite painful, but removing yourself from unrequited love can open yourself up to loving yourself more. It is the first step toward healing.
Once you remove yourself from the situation, and start loving yourself, an entire world opens up to you. You start smiling more and appreciating everything (and everyone) that you have. In fact, you will begin to see right through people's facades. You will also be open to the type of love that you deserve.
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(Previously published on my examiner.com page)