Relationships

I think this is a little vague to offer much constructive advice on. Do you have an example of what is happening? Maybe I overlooked something in your post, but you talk a lot about you and what you do for a relationship, but not what is happening in the other end. What do you mean that the other person stops caring? You say that you communicate that if your partner needs something, you tell them to ask. Are you asking when your needs are not being met?

As a long time single I am not really in a place to give advice but have you considered the option that you do too much of the workload in your relationships? I can not really gauge that, however it is important that both/all parties invest meaningful time and work into a relationship. If one party does not, it might damage their percieved "worth" of that relationship. So all i could say is to not allways go out of you way to make everything even out by yourself but to also be demanding at times. Sounds counterintuitive but we tend to more like the people we spent effort on.

Maybe you're problem is that you're going after highly attractive people. In my experience such people are more likely to me deficient in character, likely because they've been able to coast by with their looks rather than developing a worthwhile personality and work ethic. It's not an absolute of course. You could also just be super unlucky.

There is a balance between give and take in every relationship. Even the best person in the world can become comfortable if you’re giving 20ft, while they only have to give 5.

The way you speak about YOU changing for them, and the overall tone of your (light on tangible details) post, points to some insecurities in yourself. The people you’ve dated might have been taking advantage of it, even if unconsciously.

I would take some time to really love yourself and stop questioning all of the beautiful things you do for your mate. Your love language is actions, similar to my spouse, but you can’t do all of the work.

You might find that drawing your boundaries comes a lot easier once you understand and truly accept that you’re worth it and valuable without having to bend over backwards. At that point you’ll likely stop attracting the wrong kind of person and your taste will become more discerning once you start to see the patterns of imbalance.

My advice: Really think about your principles and what you believe to be fair in a relationship. Write these down and repeat them. Example: 1. Housework should be split (not necessarily even) where your time is valued as much as theirs. 2. Your acts of affection need to be acknowledged, if not 100% reciprocated in kind. 3. I will not keep working harder on the relationship in an effort to hold onto someone who is distant.

Respect yourself, find someone who really appreciates you not just for what you do for them, but for how you are together. Don’t lose hope. You may have been unlucky in your selection (or unconsciously chose unavailable partners), but your future doesn’t have to repeat. There are good people out there. Good luck.