A codependent relationship includes a pattern of behavior in which a person feels guilty thinking of themselves or expressing their needs.
If it seems like your sense of purpose in life wraps around making dramatic sacrifices for another person you might be at risk of being in a codependent relationship.
A person experiencing codependency may:
- Find no satisfaction or happiness in life outside of doing things for the other person.
- Stay in the relationship even if they are aware that their partner does hurtful things.
- Do anything to please and satisfy their partner no matter what the expense to themselves.
- Feel constant anxiety about their relationship due to their desire to always be making the other person happy.
- Use all their time and energy to give their partner everything they ask for.
- Feel guilty about thinking of themselves in the relationship and will not express any personal needs or desires.
- Ignore their own morals or conscience to do what the other person wants.
Relationships should be a two-way street in which each partner feels respected, validated, honored and loved. One person should not be doing all the work of making everyone happy or keeping the relationship together.
