Codependence: Navigating the complexities of relationships
Relationships are often woven with threads of love, support, and mutual understanding. However, there exists a subtle yet profound phenomenon known as codependency, where the lines between individual identities become blurred. Codependency is a pattern of unhealthy characteristics in a relationship where one person's needs, emotions, and well-being become excessively focused and dependent on the other person.
Dependant v/s codependence
Dependance is when both partners rely on each other for love and support. Here, both prioritize the relationship. Meanwhile, in codependence, a person feels worthless unless they are needed. They make extreme sacrifices for the other person. When the other person meets all of their needs, the enabler feels satisfied. Beyond their codependent relationship, the individual has no distinct identity, hobbies, or ideals.
Signs of codependence
A codependent individual often finds no enjoyment or fulfillment in life other than serving their partner. They also refrain from expressing any personal needs or desires and feel guilty if they do so. They continue in the relationship even if their partner hurts them. Since they want to make the other person happy all the time, they are continuously anxious about their relationship.
How does one become codependent?
According to research, those who are prone to codependency may have had childhood trauma, mentally ill parents, or might have grown up in a setting where they saw people co-depending on others. As a result, they may have learned to repress their own needs at a young age and learned to be in service of others when needed.
Ways to get over codependence
Treat yourself with kindness. Appreciate your strengths and make an effort to acknowledge your deservingness of those things. Spend time with individuals who can be honest and comforting. Face your fears. Understand that you are worthy of deserving meaningful relationships. If nothing else works for you, consider consulting a professional who can assist you in reflecting on your happiness and self-worth.
