As a woman I've experienced this with guys too - you gotta be willing to leave them when you realize things aren't going to be mutual and just keep trying, I know it's tough to not get cynical about it but it's really true that there are lovely men and women out there that would reciprocate your affection be as giving as you are.

But the most important thing is I've learned to look at myself and what I lack and what I need to work on - and I need to realize that...if I stay with someone who's not giving me what I give them (or at least...puts some effort into things), and I'm expecting them to change...that's kind of on me for being foolish and naive - we just need to move on. I spent three years in a shitty relationship and I'm never doing that again. I don't blame my ex at all, he was who he was, he's not a bad person, he never did it maliciously, but he was neglectful. Both girls and guys can be that way. It's just important to learn to recognize when that's happening and communicate with your partner and stay aware...you want to nurture a healthy dynamic and if your partner isn't doing that too there's something wrong and you need to leave. The faster we can learn to extricate ourselves from that situation, the better off we'll be. I've really tried to teach myself that unhealthy relationships just aren't worth it in the end, even if you're desperate not to be alone. I'm still working on all of this though. I wish you the best of luck :)