A codependent relationship can exist between romantic partners, but also with family members and friends.
The term was originally coined in the 1950s, in the context ofAlcoholics Anonymous" explainsDr.
Codependency is not a clinical diagnosis or formally categorized personality disorder on its own.
Verywell / Alison Czinkota
Generally speaking, it incorporates aspects ofattachment stylepatterns developed in early childhood.
Codependency can also overlap with otherpersonality disorders, including dependent personality disorder.
Causes of Codependency
What is the root cause of codependency?
Foundationally, it is due to poor concept of self and poor boundaries," saysDr.
It can also develop in all sorts of relationships, says Dr. Mayfield.
It can exist in parent-child, partner-partner, spouse-spouse, and even coworker-boss relations.
Signs of Codependency
Codependency refers to an imbalanced relationship pattern.
Codependent relationships are thus constructed around an inequity of power that promotes the needs of the taker.
This leaves the giver to keep on giving, often at the sacrifice of themselves.
Mayfield and Exelbert share that there are several signs of codependency.
Responsibility for relationships with others needs to coexist with responsibility to self."
Codependency vs.
Healthy Interdependence
Simply being reliant on someone else does not mean that you are codependent.
In ahealthy relationship, each person can rely on the other for a variety of needs.
Codependency exists when one person gives more than the other, creating an imbalance of met needs.
How to Overcome Codependency
The first step inovercoming codependent tendenciesis to focus on self-awareness.
This can be done on your own, of course.
But Dr. Mayfield also stresses the importance oftherapyto help you really unravel your codependent tendencies.
“My advice is to be proactive andseek help.
Takeaway
Codependency comes in many forms and levels of intensity.
Recognizing the signs of codependency is the first step.
Then, self-awareness and active redirection are key in reducing your codependent tendencies.
Be kind to yourself as you work through the process, undoing years of this learned behavior.
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