6 Signs of a Codependent Relationship

The traditional definition of codependency focuses on control, nurturing, and maintenance of relationships with individuals who are chemically dependent or engaging in undesirable behaviors, such as narcissism.

A classic codependency model is an alcoholic husband and his enabling wife.

Ask yourself these questions:

• Does your sense of purpose involve making extreme sacrifices to satisfy your partner's needs?
• Is it difficult to say no when your partner makes demands on your time and energy?
• Do you cover your partner’s problems with drugs, alcohol, or the law?
• Do you constantly worry about others’ opinions of you?
• Do you feel trapped in your relationship?
• Do you keep quiet to avoid arguments?

When a child grows up in a dysfunctional home with unavailable parents, the child takes on the role of caretaker, learn to put the parents need first, and repress and disregard their own needs.

As the child becomes an adult, he or she repeats the same dynamic in their adult relationships.

Resentment builds when you don’t recognize your own needs and wants. A common behavioral tendency is to overreact or lash out when your partner lets you down.

Getting in touch with deep-rooted feelings of hurt, loss, and anger will allow you to reconstruct appropriate relationship dynamics. You will know you are on track when:

• You nurture your own wants and desires
• You say goodbye to abusive behavior.
• You respond rather than react to your partner.