Not all friendships are fully mutual, and sometimes, that's not OK. Key points One-sided contact, exhaustion, or constant excuse-making can signal an imbalanced friendship. Perceived partner responsiveness makes friendships mutually rewarding, boosting trust and well-being. Reciprocity matters: One-sided sharing or dismissive responses erode friendship quality over time. Pulling back briefly or naming the imbalance directly can clarify a friendship's true state. Mother giving