Dependence on other people can be tough, and so is codependency - a situation where two people need each other in an unhealthy way.
Psychologists often say that codependence can be pretty dangerous, and there are reasons for that.
Let's find out more about codependency and how to spot it.
What is it?
Codependent relationships happen when two people depend too much on each other for their emotional well-being.
They might feel like they can't be happy or okay without the other person.
Example
Imagine two friends, Amy and Ben.
They are really close, which is nice, but they rely on each other too much.
Amy feels like she always has to make Ben happy, and Ben feels like he needs Amy to feel good about himself.
Now, let's talk about the main signs of codependent people.
They Forget About Themselves
Amy and Ben might forget about their own needs and feelings because they're too focused on each other.
They Try to Fix Each Other
They might try to solve each other's problems all the time, even when it's not their job.
They're Afraid of Being Alone
Amy and Ben might be really scared of being by themselves. They think they need each other to be okay.
They Can Feel Trapped
Sometimes, they might feel stuck or trapped in the relationship, like they can't leave even if they want to.
Conclusion
Every person should aim to be unique, independent, and comfortable to stay on their own, without other people to please or constantly rely on.
If you feel like you're a part of a codependent relationship, then you probably should visit a psychologist who can help you cope with that situation.
