Mending Relationships

Codependency is an imbalanced relationship where one person prioritizes another person's needs over their own. Codependent relationships can be unhealthy and can lead to one-sided, emotionally destructive, or abusive relationships. Some signs of codependency include: Relationship dynamics One partner needs the other, and the other needs to be needed. Codependent relationships often involve underlying problems like addiction, abuse, or mental illness. Individual characteristics Codependent people may have low self-esteem, difficulty setting boundaries, and people-pleasing behaviors. They may also act submissive, clingy, or controlling to feel secure. Behavior Codependent people may idealize their partner, enable their poor choices, or endure harmful behavior. They may also neglect their own needs, apologize to keep the peace, or avoid conflict.