Signs Of A Codependent Relationship And How To Deal With It

Codependent relationships have been studied since the 1940s and linked with families with drug and alcohol abuse histories (1). Codependency is a sign of an unhealthy relationship. An example of the pattern is when both partners are unduly dependent on one another; one partner may control, dominate, and/or maintain the other, while the other partner needs these dynamics, thinking they cannot function independently. Their dependency on one another is unhealthy. With time, the concept of codependent relationships has expanded to cover all dysfunctional relationships.

The signs of a relationship that could lead to such a catastrophe seem obvious, but sometimes, we miss the warning signs. The tendency is to become accustomed to unhealthy patterns and make them our norm until they are overwhelming to the point where we attempt to break away from them. Find out what codependency is, how to recognize it, and how to cope with it in this article. Read on.

What Is A Codependent Relationship?

Codependency describes a dysfunctional relationship in which one partner is overly needy and depends on the other, who, in turn, needs to feel needed. In such a relationship, the codependent partner may have physical, emotional, and financial needs and plan their life around the dominant partner.

The concept of codependency was associated with the Alcoholic Anonymous’ communities in the USA during the 1940s. It was used for partners who indulge in substance abuse, and their lives were entwined with their partners or enablers (could be the spouse or any other family member). Later, during the 1980s, the term was used for other relationship models that may or may not involve substance abuse (1).

In a codependent relationship, the boundaries are not clearly defined, and often, the partners stick together for their personal gains. The reasons may include the stigma or shame of walking out of the relationship, financial investments, fear or disbelief in one’s own self-sufficiency, and kids (if there are any).

Codependency should not be confused with dependency in a relationship. Dependency, which can lead to learned helplessness, is not as harmful as codependency, but stymies an individual’s personal growth and self-esteem.

Codependency Vs. Dependence: What Is The Difference?

Unlike codependent relationships, dependence is when one or both partners consider themselves equal and rely on each other to maintain a healthy relationship. Here is a comparison of traits that differ in both relationships:

1. Value For Each Other

Dependence: Both partners depend on each other for love and support, yet or both may feel inadequate in fulfilling certain needs in the relationship.

Codependence: One partner feels used and may even find joy in making extreme sacrifices. The other partner is satisfied with getting everything without making any effort. The healthiest model of a relationship is interdependent; where each partner can be self-sufficient, but choose to enhance one another’s happiness and resources. They do not need each other; they want each other.

2. Priorities

Dependence: Both partners keep the relationship on equal ground and prioritize each other’s preferences, but typically one needs the other.

Codependence: The codependent partner has a poor or no identity, values, personality, or interests outside their codependent relationship.

3. Communication

Interdependence: Both partners find ways to communicate and express their feelings, needs, wants, and emotions. They prefer to resolve conflicts through effective communication and listen to each other.

Dependency or Codependency: There is no flow of proper communication between the partners as both do not recognize and prioritize their feelings. As long as their needs are met, both are fine.

Initially, it may be tough to recognize the traits of codependency. For example, you may feel like your partner is just clingy. However, it is much more than just clinginess. Here are a few signs to help you identify if you are in a codependent relationship.

Signs Of A Codependent Relationship

1. They Constantly Try To Please

Codependent partners find happiness and satisfaction in keeping their partners happy. They feel like they do not have any other choice than to please their partner. Therefore, they ignore their wants and needs and direct all their energies to keep their partners happy.

For instance, if a person is stuck in a relationship for their kids and is dependent on the other for financial aid, they will do whatever it takes to keep their partner happy.

2. Have Poor Self-Esteem

Both the partners in a codependent relationship lack self-esteem. One partner is completely dependent on the other, while the other needs them to have a sense of purpose. The dependent person (the enabler) tends to stick around even when they know the partner is hurtful and disrespectful and the relationship is not working, but more than likely this partner “needs” to be the rescuer or the one depended on.

3. You Are Anxious Of Being Left Behind

In a codependent relationship, you may always have an overwhelming sense of emptiness and desolation. Even if the partner leaves for a few hours, you are constantly worried that they might not return. You try to convince yourself that it is because you worry for them, while the truth is knowing the whereabouts of your partner makes you feel better.

4. You Try To “Fix” Your Partner

The enabler in a codependent relationship treats their partner (the dependent) as a project. They believe that they need to “fix” their behavior or improve something in them. As a result, they end up controlling them and guiding their partner’s activities.

5. You Cover Your Partner’s Wrongdoings

Your partner always ends up on the wrong side, and you always rescue them. In this the scenario, you are stuck in a codependent relationship. For instance, you always pay the parking fines for your partner or cover their issues related to substance abuse or anything that breaks the law.

In several situations, the dependent may also end up covering their partner’s habit of domestic violence.

6. Always Avoid Arguments

If your partner is unhappy with something and starts arguing, do you always keep quiet to avoid escalating the issue? Do you avoid defending yourself? Are you afraid that raising your voice may anger your partner, and they may abandon you? If yes, you are stuck in a codependent relationship.

7. Concerned About Others’ Opinion

In a codependent relationship, a partner may feel obliged to stay stuck in a relationship. There might be pressure from the family or friends and relatives. If you constantly feel the societal pressure and worry about what others might think if you walk out, you are stuck in a codependent relationship. You may even feel unworthy and blame yourself for the unhappy situation.

8. There Are No Boundaries

People in a codependent relationship may share an intense and volatile bond with their partners; or this dynamic may be unacknowledged, unspoken, and simply accepted out of passivity and people pleasing. They are unable to differentiate their feelings and needs from their partner’s feelings and needs. This often leads to anxiety, frustration, and confusion.

9. You Are Unsure About Your Feelings

Have you ever had a difficult time answering a simple “how are you”? Do you find yourself rummaging through your thoughts to find the appropriate expression? Does your state of well-being depend on how your partner is doing on that day? If yes, it is a sign of a codependent relationship. Codependent partners often substitute their feelings with their partner’s feelings.

10. Partners May Resort To Abuse

Emotional, physical, financial, or sexual – codependent relationships often involve different types of abuse. The dependent partner often tries to exploit their partner (enabler), who will not protest as they get the attention they want, even if it is negative.

If you are stuck in a codependent relationship, you might wonder where it came from. People do not develop such tendencies overnight. It typically begins in childhood and stems from a dysfunctional past.

Codependency is a multidimensional psychosocial problem. It is interlinked with issues like a lack of a clear sense of self, relational, emotional, and occupational imbalances, parental abandonment, and control issues during childhood (1). Research tells us that individuals with high codependency tendencies reported having family issues, parental mental health problems, and personal psychological issues like compulsivity (2). Let’s understand the causes in detail.

The Causes Behind Codependency: How It Starts

Children often model the behavioral traits from their parents, and their childhood experiences shape their habits. Here are a few reasons that may be linked to codependency tendencies:

Overprotective Or Underprotective Parents

A child develops healthy relationships depending on their relationship with the parents and other family members.

• Overprotective parents try to shield their children from everything. As a result, the child does not develop the confidence to be independent and is scared of trying new things on her own.
• Overprotective parenting robs the child from learning basic life skills. For instance, if the parents keep coddling their kids, they may never learn simple things like washing clothes, cooking, or taking care of themselves. This may make their life tough later when they move out or stay in a college dorm.
• Overly permissive parents may not provide a healthy support system during the developmental stages. As a result, the child feels alone and unsafe. When they grow up, they can become resistant to support or guidance from others, finding it difficult to share or be open to others’ opinions or needs.
• Children who grow up in households with substance abuse issues may also develop codependent tendencies later in life. The parent-child relationship is reversed, and the child becomes the primary caregiver. As a result, they grow up neglecting their needs and prioritizing others.

Children who grow up in dysfunctional family settings may often seek emotional fulfillment in keeping others satisfied. Codependent tendencies developed during childhood may manifest themselves in different ways once the child becomes an adult. These include:

• Blurred Sense Of Boundaries: They may give in easily. As a result, it is easier for others to manipulate them. They may also emotionally shut people out. There is no in-between.
• Develop Trust Issues: They may always question people’s motives and have difficulty bonding. This may lead to loneliness during adulthood.
• Become Self-Critical: Codependent people can be self-critical and always feel like they are unworthy of everything.
• Control Issues: Children who grow up in overprotective families may develop control issues. They tend to cling to things (or persons) they can control. This may eventually strain the relationship.

Understanding codependency is the first step to overcoming it. If you relate to any of the signs discussed above, here are a few ways to overcome codependency.

Tips To Overcome Codependency

1. Acknowledge It

Admitting the issue is the first step to resolution. Once you acknowledge the imbalances in your relationship, you realize that your actions are causing the power imbalance. You understand that you cannot control others’ thoughts, actions, and emotions.

2. Consider Your Needs

Overcoming codependency is all about rebalancing your life. Instead of prioritizing your partner’s needs, consider your own and prioritize them. This does not mean you have to neglect their needs or stop caring for them. It implies that taking care of yourself is as much crucial as caring for others. If you do not do it, you may end up feeling drained, frustrated, and resentful.

3. Start Communicating

Do not let yourself being controlled and mistreated. Instead, be assertive and voice your feelings. Stand up for yourself and let your partner know your dissatisfaction over how they treat you. Learn to say no and take ownership of your actions and choices. This will make you feel empowered.

4. Set Boundaries

Boundaries in a relationship allow you to be yourself, have your feelings, make your decisions. They are a form of self-care where you value your emotions and needs. They keep you from overextending yourself and being responsible for others’ feelings. Boundaries are crucial for your emotional and physical safety.

5. Redeem Your Self-Esteem

Find out the positives in you and nurture them. Develop your sense of self. In a codependent relationship, redeeming your self-esteem is shifting the focus to yourself. This may lead to much-needed self-discovery. Find out what you love to do, your favorite movies, activities, cuisines, and try them. Ask your partner to join you in this quest. If possible, consult a therapist to help you in this journey. There are also scores of self-help books on this topic as well.

6. Do Not Be Afraid Of Change

The toughest part in your journey of overcoming codependency is to overcome the fear of changing your partner’s perception of you. You may feel that your loved ones may not like you, and you will disappoint your partner.

Do not worry. If your partner loves you, they will be happy to see you grow and heal. However, you have to be patient as it is not easy to let go of your older habits overnight. Take baby steps and focus on improving one aspect at a time.

7. Go For Counseling

Consulting a therapist can help you change the old patterns in your relationship. They can help you rediscover your worth and boost your self-esteem. You can visit a therapist with your partner. Couple counseling can help develop new relationship dynamics.

8. Check Out Peer Support Groups

You heal faster when you learn from people who have been there and realize that you are not alone. You can learn from their experiences and share your concerns with them. They act as your support system, and you will also find solace in like-minded people who understand and empathize with your problem.

Codependency can hurt. A codependent person often does not want to risk their super-caring image by complaining or saying “it hurts.” While codependency can strain the relationship, there are a few positive attributes to it.

The Positive Aspects Of Codependency

1. They Are Generous

Codependent people are extremely generous and giving. They cannot see anyone suffer and can go to any lengths to keep you happy and care for you. This trait is beneficial for anyone who needs constant support.

2. They Are Perceptive

Since codependent people have had a difficult childhood, they learn to develop a coping mechanism to stay safe from neglect and abuse. As a result, they can easily read people’s emotions and behavior. They can sense when you are upset or tensed.

3. They Will Stick With You

A codependent person will not leave your side at the slightest hint of trouble. Instead, they will support you and help you overcome it. They feel it is a necessity to rescue you.

Although there are a few positive aspects of codependency, this cannot negate the pain and trauma it brings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I love him, or am I codependent?

In a codependent relationship, love is often rooted in low self-esteem and insecurity. It results in one person completely focusing on the needs of others. Does this feel like you? If yes, you probably are codependent.

Are codependents narcissists?

Codependents are not narcissists as they don’t exhibit common narcissistic traits like lack of empathy and exploitation.

Do codependent marriages last?

Yes. Codependent marriages do last. But both the partners should put in their time and effort. If you have signs of codependency in your marriage, change your thought process and work towards recreating a balanced relationship that works best.

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Reviewer Author

Dr Nancy B IrwinPsyD

     

Originally from Atlanta, Dr. Nancy Irwin graduated from UWG in 1977 with a Bachelor of Music in Opera Performance. She moved to New York City in 1985 to pursue a career as a stand-up comedian. She worked all over the country and abroad and moved to Los Angeles in 1994 when she heard that Hollywood needed more blondes.

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Harini NatarajanHead Of Content Operations

 

As Head Of Content Operations, Harini sets the tone and editorial direction for StyleCraze to deliver engaging, interesting, and authentic content revolving around women's health, wellness, and beauty. She is a Certified Professional Life Coach from Transformation Academy, a Certified Emotional Intelligence Practitioner from The Priority Academy, and has over 17 years of experience in content writing and editing for online media.

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