Does this sound familiar?
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| Q |
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How can I tell if I’m in a codependent relationship? |
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| A |
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One of the hallmarks of a healthy relationship is a mutual give and take between partners. When a relationship honors both of your needs, both of you can thrive. In a codependent relationship, people often fall into one of two roles:
- The caretaker (or giver or enabler) prioritizes the other person’s thoughts, feelings, and needs over their own. They often don’t take care of themselves — emotionally and physically — and spend a large amount of time caring for the other person.
- The taker in the relationship often takes advantage of this caretaking, intentionally or unintentionally. The taker’s needs may overshadow the caretaker’s, so much so that the caretaker may completely lose their sense of self.
Codependency can become a cycle in which the caretaker continues to give, the taker continues to take advantage, and the relationship becomes unhealthy and dysfunctional. This type of dynamic can happen between parents and children, partners, family members, and friends.
While there’s no way to say exactly how a codependent relationship might affect someone, some of the potential emotional effects can include:
- loss of self-trust and self-confidence
- lack of trust in other people
- trouble setting boundaries, especially intimate ones
- difficulty adjusting to or accepting change
- difficulty communicating with others about needs
- feeling the need to lie or be dishonest to avoid conflict
- challenges with making decisions for yourself
- experiencing strong emotions like anger, fear, or guilt
Codependency may lead to long-term emotional effects for everyone involved. But you can break the pattern and heal if both partners are willing to put in the work. It’s also possible to safely leave with support and resources if the relationship is taking a toll on you or your well-being.
Read our full article below to learn more about codependency and the steps you can take to change this pattern from showing up in your relationships. |
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| If you’d like to request a specific topic, offer feedback, or chime in with your answers to our weekly questions, feel free to email us at newsletters@healthline.com. We look forward to connecting with you and supporting you on the path to mental well-being. |
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| TRY THIS |
| Try Omega-3s |
| Omega-3 fatty acids may help relieve stress, anxiety, and depression. If you don’t like fatty fish or plant-based foods like chia seeds, you can try a supplement. |
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