At first, the conversations flow without much effort. They ask about your day, remember little things you mentioned and seem genuinely interested in getting to know you. You start looking forward to their messages, and the connection feels like it could turn into something meaningful.

Then, somewhere along the way, the dynamic changes. You find yourself initiating most conversations, making the plans and wondering whether the other person is still as interested as they once seemed. It can be confusing when something that felt mutual begins to feel like your responsibility alone.

Here are five reasons this shift can happen.

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