A codependent relationship is a dysfunctional one. Codependents have a pattern of behavior in which they need other people to like them and approve of them. They depend on others for their self worth and identity and go out of their way to please others, often sacrificing their own needs in the process. Codependency is difficult to treat as codependents are often in denial.
In a healthy relationship, boundaries are important. Codependents usually have a problem with boundaries. Their boundaries may be blurred and they will often go to great lengths to fix others and feel an unnatural responsibility for their problems and feelings. They go out of their way to please but will also control and manipulate others to get what they need. They may also have rigid boundaries that do not allow others to see what they are feeling or allow them to feel close.
True communication is usually absent in such a situation. The codependent person cannot afford to be honest for fear of rejection or abandonment. They need others to help them feel secure and so they will often give their partners support without thinking about their own feelings. They find their self-worth in taking care of others and pleasing them.
People like this have extremely low self-esteem. Under the surface they will often feel a sense of anger and resentment. This usually becomes worse with time and results in depression and feelings of helplessness and despair. They feel trapped and yet do not know how to change this.
The codependent behavior is often supported by the partners. They cater to the fears and anxieties of the person, deluding themselves that they are helping. However, this simply serves to reinforce the negative behavior patterns. A relationship like this can be repaired but it often takes hard work. Boundaries have to be firmly established and the self respect and self worth of both parties have to be encouraged.
There is often denial on the part of a codependent person in such a situation. They always feel that the other person or the situation is the real problem. Although some codependents appear needy, others act self-sufficient when it comes to needing help. They will not reach out and ask for help. Behavior habits are deeply ingrained and often difficult to identify and change.
It may be necessary to receive guidance and support as it is often difficult to make these changes alone. Some of the changes that may have to be made is to spend more time with family and friends, find enjoyable hobbies and even to spend time apart to create a more healthy dependency.
The sooner someone reaches out for help, the less likely it is for the problem to reach critical proportions. Awareness, acceptance and then taking action is necessary sooner rather than later. Recovery is possible and there are various methods and techniques professionals use to address the issue and establish a healthy relationship.
In a healthy relationship, boundaries are important. Codependents usually have a problem with boundaries. Their boundaries may be blurred and they will often go to great lengths to fix others and feel an unnatural responsibility for their problems and feelings. They go out of their way to please but will also control and manipulate others to get what they need. They may also have rigid boundaries that do not allow others to see what they are feeling or allow them to feel close.
True communication is usually absent in such a situation. The codependent person cannot afford to be honest for fear of rejection or abandonment. They need others to help them feel secure and so they will often give their partners support without thinking about their own feelings. They find their self-worth in taking care of others and pleasing them.
People like this have extremely low self-esteem. Under the surface they will often feel a sense of anger and resentment. This usually becomes worse with time and results in depression and feelings of helplessness and despair. They feel trapped and yet do not know how to change this.
The codependent behavior is often supported by the partners. They cater to the fears and anxieties of the person, deluding themselves that they are helping. However, this simply serves to reinforce the negative behavior patterns. A relationship like this can be repaired but it often takes hard work. Boundaries have to be firmly established and the self respect and self worth of both parties have to be encouraged.
There is often denial on the part of a codependent person in such a situation. They always feel that the other person or the situation is the real problem. Although some codependents appear needy, others act self-sufficient when it comes to needing help. They will not reach out and ask for help. Behavior habits are deeply ingrained and often difficult to identify and change.
It may be necessary to receive guidance and support as it is often difficult to make these changes alone. Some of the changes that may have to be made is to spend more time with family and friends, find enjoyable hobbies and even to spend time apart to create a more healthy dependency.
The sooner someone reaches out for help, the less likely it is for the problem to reach critical proportions. Awareness, acceptance and then taking action is necessary sooner rather than later. Recovery is possible and there are various methods and techniques professionals use to address the issue and establish a healthy relationship.
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