

Settling for a partner who does not reciprocate emotionally, physically, spiritually, and vibrationally is one of the greatest mistakes you could ever make in a relationship.
The reasons for this might seem blatantly obvious, but still, so many people fall victim to a treacherous heart. So many of us have such a strong desire to love and be loved, that we sometimes accept less-than in a partner.
I am no stranger to falling into this downward spiralling pattern, due to heart pangs of wanting to be deeply in love with the wrong person. As a result, it's been one of the most excruciatingly painful heartaches of my life.
This read will list the ways in which you can end up hurting yourself if you settle for a partner who is more interested in a one-sided situationship. There are some really harmful consequences to settling in love, and after reading this list, you'll never want to go halfway with anyone ever again!
No Return On Your Self-Investment
When you make the decision to be with a person who is a lackluster partner, you are automatically setting your self-worth bar too low. If you value what you have to bring to the table emotionally, physically, financially, and energetically, your soul will repel anything that is less than your own worth.
If you value your heart, and respect your body and mind, you will not willingly align with somebody who doesn't deserve everything that you have to offer. Would you invest in a stock that contains less net worth than what you already possess? Of course not! The amount of love and time that you have to invest in someone should be equivalent, if not more, in the heart of your partner.
Your Emotions Will Put In Overtime
When you choose to be with somebody who does not reciprocate respect and general care, you run the risk of emotionally over laboring. You end up going out of your way to meet your partner where they are, even if they never show up.
If you find yourself being a shoulder to cry on, or being an emotional punching bag for a selfish partner, it is very likely that you are over-laboring. Emotional labor requires both parties to put forth the same effort in order to keep a relationship afloat. Don't allow your love for your partner to trick you into doing most of the emotional work for them, thinking that one day you might win them over. You are only draining your energy and wasting your life force on someone who will never step up, and only continue to use you.
You Will Be Your Own Worst Critic
People who consistently vie for the attention of an non-reciprocating other half might wrongfully accept the criticism this person has of them. This is the effect that many narcissists have on their victims. They like to play the blame game, and are emotionally manipulative.They attempt to make you believe that you are the sole source of your relationship problems. Once you start internalizing this false truth, you begin to misplace their criticism on to yourself.
This truly is all a matter of deflection on their part. They are unable to look in the mirror and see where they are falling short, and they divert their own issues by gaslighting their partners.
You'll Become Bitter
There's nothing worse than allowing yourself to become bitter, jealous, or insecure over someone who does not even reciprocate your feelings. You begin to wonder why your partner can't love you like you know they have loved someone else in the past, and completely skip over the great likelihood that they treated the woman before you just as badly. You might even start to question what is wrong with you, which could lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-hate.
When you make these comparisons, you have completely placed your self-worth and validation in somebody else's hands who has absolutely nothing to do with your relationship. This reeks of insecurity and a lack of self-confidence. Never allow anyone else to make you feel resentful of yourself.
You'll Become An Enabler
Becoming an enabler of toxic behaviors and patterns is a direct harmful byproduct of being with someone who doesn't reciprocate. You begin to excuse your partner's nasty habits, inconsiderate behaviors, and abusive treatment. It's as if you have a blind spot for their shenanigans, or you consciously choose not to see them.
You enable this person by choosing not to address negative issues in the relationship, as well as continuously taking them back after they mess up big time. You also might misplace anger on family and friends who try to get you to open your eyes.
Emotional Obligation is Replaced with Temporary Material Satisfaction
Oftentimes when we are in one-sided relationships, the person in question could use material things to temporarily patch things up. This could mean taking you on a little trip, buying you an expensive gift, or treating you to a nice dinner to keep your constant plea for reciprocation and attention at bay.
This manipulation can also come in the form of promises or great sex. Do not allow material things, intimacy, and empty promises to keep you in an unhealthy, and imbalanced bond.
You Can't Let Go
One of the worst, and most detrimental consequences of staying in a non-reciprocating partnership, is that you carry those wounds and insecurities into a new relationship. You may actually run the risk of being so paranoid that a new person in your life will play the same game, that you end up sabotaging the new relationship.
It is not fair to yourself, or someone new in your life, to bring this toxic energy into a budding relationship. Since we often are magnets for people who reflect our issues, if you don't work out your own internal traumas, you will continue to experience similar problems in all of your relationships.
If you have been this person, and are still suffering from some of these harmful effects, it's time to reclaim your self-worth through self-love and positive affirmations. If you must, take a break from dating to learn what unconditional love is for yourself. That is the root of attracting unconditional love back.
Heal your wounds first before expecting to find somebody who is healed and who will reciprocate the love, respect, and vibration that you so very much desire.
Featured image by Shutterstock
Fontaine Felisha Foxworth is a writer and creative entrepreneur from Brooklyn New York. She is currently on the West Coast working on creating a TV Pilot called "Finding Fontaine", that details the nomadic journey of her life so far. Keep up with her shenanigans @famoustaine on IG.
From '106 & Park' To Prime Time, Rocsi Diaz Is Still That Girl
Rocsi Diaz is no stranger to the camera. From her iconic run on 106 & Park to interviewing Hollywood heavyweights on Entertainment Tonight, she’s been at the center of culture for years. Now, she’s back in the hosting chair alongside none other than Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders for We Got Time Today, a fresh talk show exclusive to Tubi.
The show is exactly what you’d expect when you put a media pro and a sports legend together—a mix of real talk, unfiltered moments, and guest interviews that feel like family kickbacks. As the duo wraps up their first season, Rocsi sat down with xoNecole to talk about teaming up with Deion, the wildest moments on set, and why streaming platforms like Tubi are shaking up the talk show world.
Scoring the Gig & Clicking Instantly with Deion
Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Essence
Deion Sanders had been dreaming of hosting a talk show, and when Tubi came calling, it was only right he made it happen. But before he found the perfect co-host, he held auditions with different women for the spot.
Lucky for us, Rocsi threw her hat in the ring, and the connection was instant. “You just can’t buy chemistry like we have,” she tells us. “We are legit like big brother, little sister—fighting, cracking jokes, telling each other off. When you watch the show, it’s like watching family.”
Mixing News, Culture & Sports—Minus the Snooze
With We Got Time Today, Rocsi and Deion cover everything from the latest headlines to celebrity tea and, of course, sports. But instead of stiff, rehearsed segments, the show keeps it loose and unpredictable.
“We’re not breaking the mold—it’s not rocket science,” Rocsi jokes. “We just bring our own flair, our authenticity, and our personalities to it. Deion has firsthand experience in sports, so when we talk about athletes, he brings a different perspective.”
And the best part? Unlike traditional talk shows that rush through quick interviews, We Got Time Today actually takes its time. “A lot of shows might give you one or two segments with a guest,” Rocsi says. “With us, we actually sit down and have real-life conversations.”
Her Top Guests (So Far!)
From music icons to relationship experts, the show has already had some unforgettable guests—but a few stand out for Rocsi.
“Ice Cube was our first guest, and he’s just legendary,” she says. “Kirk Franklin had us cracking up when he broke into a full choir freestyle for our Christmas special. And anytime we get Dr. Bryant on to put Deion in the hot seat? That’s my favorite!”
And of course, there’s Nick Cannon. “Nick was amazing,” she adds. “You already know he’s going to bring the energy and say something wild.”
Tag-Team Hosting with Deion: The Inside Scoop
While Deion Sanders is best known for his football greatness, Rocsi says he’s also one of the funniest people she’s ever worked with.
“He’s goofy—like, really goofy,” she laughs. “A lot of people didn’t know that side of him, but now they do. He can crack a joke, and if you’re too sensitive, good luck, because he will go in. But the best part? I throw it right back at him! Sometimes we just look at each other like, ‘Okay, that was a good one.’”
But beyond the laughs, she admires his insane work ethic. “Watching him juggle everything he does is just super admirable,” she says.
How "We Got Time Today" Brings That "106 & Park" Energy
Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images
For those wondering if We Got Time Today feels like 106 & Park 2.0, Rocsi says it’s a whole different vibe.
“The only comparison I’d make is that it’s a destination for the culture,” she explains. “It’s a platform where our people can come, feel safe, and have real conversations. But other than that, this is Deion’s world—we’re just having fun in it.”
The Talk Show Shake-Up: Why This Show Hits Different
Unlike traditional networks, We Got Time Today lives exclusively on Tubi, proving that streaming platforms are changing how we watch talk shows.
“Tubi is giving more people opportunities and making content more accessible,” Rocsi says. “Deion is a huge Tubi fan—he literally loves Black cinema—so it just made sense for him. And honestly? He’s got me watching it too!”
Real Ones Only: Women Holding Each Other Down
Rocsi credits her best friend, Chantelle, for always keeping her grounded. “She kept pouring into me, reminding me of who I am,” she shares. Even Deion Sanders makes sure to give her flowers, often calling her “the hostess with the most.”
In the industry, she’s built lasting bonds with women like Julissa Bermundez, Angie Martinez, and Angela Yee. “Julissa and I still kick it—her house is basically Sephora, so I just shop there,” she jokes. She also cherishes her friendships with Melyssa Ford and Robin Roberts, who have offered unwavering support. “Robin has always been there for me,” Rocsi says, reflecting on the wisdom she’s gained from the legendary journalist.
With the show’s first season wrapping up, Rocsi is grateful for the experience and excited for what’s next. “We’re having a good time, and the audience can feel that,” she says.
And if you haven’t tuned in yet? Well, Rocsi and Deion got time—so you might as well make some too.
Catch We Got Time Today now streaming on Tubi!
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They say bodies are made in the winter, but if you’re the type that waits a few months before the summer because “you work well under pressure” or you just enjoy moving your body altogether, then keep reading.
With the summer quickly approaching, there are so many ways to stay active and have fun doing it. There’s hiking, biking, or just simply walking around the neighborhood. However, there are way more things you can do and it’s free too.
I live in Atlanta and I have discovered a variety of free fitness activities that can help you burn calories, get in touch with your inner child, and maybe even make a new friend.
These activities range from roller-skating to Pilates to dancing. Check out a few of these places below:
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Thompson Hotel
Located in Atlanta’s posh Buckhead district, Thompson hotel offers complimentary yoga classes on Saturday and free Pilates classes on Sundays. Both classes are on the hotel’s rooftop, so you’ll get a good sweat while taking in the gorgeous views.
Atlanta Beltline
The Atlanta Beltline is a 22-mile path throughout the city that traverses trails, parks, and many neighborhoods. It recently announced its line-up of free fitness classes in different locations of the beltline. These classes encompass a diverse range of activities like tennis, roller-skating, Zumba, HIIT, and many more.
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Atlantic Station
Atlantic Station is also offering free fitness activities through its Wellness Wednesday program. Every Wednesday, you can explore various fitness class like dance, self-defense, bootcamp and more.
The Battery
The Battery, home of The Atlanta Braves stadium offers free yoga on Mondays as part of its Wellness Series.
Atlanta isn’t the only city that offers a range of free fitness classes. Make sure to check out your city’s social media pages or search TikTok or Google, and type in “free fitness classes in insert city.” Alternatively, join different Facebook groups that highlight events throughout the city.
Check these out and have fun.
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