Whether we're talking about a platonic or romantic relationship, no one likes to feel insignificant. The most important people in our lives are supposed to be there for us on those days when we feel like we're on cloud nine, and on those days when we can barely get out of bed.

However, not all of our favorite people would drop everything to be there for us when we need them.

Unfortunately, I know I've found myself putting people, specifically guys, who I had a potential interest in dating, at the top of my priority list. I would constantly get hurt when there were so many other things I needed to accomplish in my daily life. The worst was that I never stopped to think about where I was on their priority list.

I didn't want to feel drained or feel bitter towards people. I realized that even though I was getting hurt, I was the one to blame a lot of the time. I let people hurt me the minute I assumed the way I felt towards them was how they felt towards me in return. I assumed that since I would always be there for people I cared about, these people would surely be there for me, too.

However, it's never good to assume.

You shouldn't have to wonder where you stand in someone else's eyes.

If you are wondering where you stand, it could be a sign that you need to rearrange your priorities or invest your energy into different people.

So, over time, I slowly started to take care of myself more. The summer after college, I worked a lot, focused on school, made more time for my best friends, and wrote a lot. I still talked to acquaintances and old friends, but I learned to invest less of myself in conversations that felt forced. I spent less time trying to make plans with people who didn't seem to care that I wanted to hang out with them.

I know it's easier said than done, but next time you feel drained, used, or unimportant, stop and ask yourself these questions: You may be putting someone at the top of your priority list, but are you at the top of his or her's? If it's clear that someone hasn't been putting you at the top of his or her priorities, why would you want to be with someone like that? Why would you want to give so much of your precious time and energy to someone who can't appreciate it?

Trust me, when you do surround yourself with people who make time for you and make you feel valued, you'll feel happiness like you never knew before. Whether this is related to friends or romantic interests, you shouldn't have to wonder where you stand on someone's list of priorities.