Codependency: Understanding and Overcoming The Pattern

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Codependency is a behavioral pattern in which an individual overly relies on another person, frequently at the expense of their own well-being. This can take many forms, including continually seeking praise or validation from the other person, sacrificing one’s own wants and desires to satisfy them, or enabling their destructive behavior. Family members or partners of individuals battling with substance misuse may develop codependent behaviors to cope with the upheaval and instability that addiction may bring.

Codependency is reported to occur in partnerships at a rate of as high as 80%, with women being more likely than men to exhibit codependent tendencies. Codependency can be a tough pattern to break since it frequently involves deep-seated emotional difficulties that may necessitate professional assistance to overcome.

Those suffering from codependency experience low self-esteem, worry, depression, and difficulties setting boundaries. Furthermore, codependency can have a negative impact on the relationship, leading to resentment, hostility, and, eventually, a communication breakdown. A codependent would be prone to attract a narcissist or a person with toxic traits as their partner.

Codependency is often rooted in childhood experiences where individuals may have learned to prioritize the needs of others over their own. This can lead to a pattern of seeking validation and self-worth through caring for others, even at the cost of their own well-being.

Additionally, growing up in households where addiction or other dysfunctional behaviors like extreme criticism, narcissism in one or both parents, bullying, emotional neglect, or abuse can contribute to developing codependent tendencies. Recognizing these origins can be a crucial step in breaking free from codependency and developing healthier relationships with oneself and others.

Some common characteristics of codependent behavior include difficulty setting boundaries, fear…