There’s one big fear hiding at the heart of many relationships: that you love your partner more than they love you…

We all want our relationships to feel equal, but so often it seems that one person ends up more dedicated to the relationship. This can happen for a number of reasons – from fear of commitment to lack of care and beyond – and lead to strife and even tragedy. But there’s more to lopsided love than meets the eye.

So, what’s really behind unequal love matches – and is there any hope for a happy outcome? Let’s take a closer look at the trope on screen, from How I Met Your Mother’s Lily and Marshall, to Anora and Vanya, to Friends’ Chandler and Janice and more!