What is a codependent relationship?

How do you know if you are in the grip of codependency?

• You are completely dependent on another;
• You are in a relationship that is humiliating and suppressive of your personality;
• Low self-esteem;
• The feeling that everything is good only through the approval of others;
• Powerlessness to change anything in destructive relationships;
• The need for alcohol, excessive food consumption, sex and other stimulants to avoid experiences;
• Lack of psychological boundaries;
• The role of the victim;
• Inability to experience true intimacy and love.

Remember, the main difference between intimacy and addiction is the absence of suffering. Where there is suffering, there is codependency.

What to do?

Try to restore your true world by paying more attention to your feelings and desires. The main thing you might encounter when trying to turn inward is guilt. It’s common in codependent relationships. And, truly, it’s often very difficult to independently see and admit your innocence. It’s not easy to independently recognize the habitual patterns and motives that lead to codependent relationships, acknowledge your contribution to the situation, and find new ways to build relationships.