Codependent

Do you suspect you're in a codependent relationship? Codependence is never an easy thing to acknowledge. However, by recognizing the warning signs and acting on them, you can prevent yourself from allowing your codependent tendencies to ruin your life. Here are a few ways you can identify codependent behavior.

Do your relationships seem one-sided? Whether you're seeing someone romantically or you're in a platonic relationship, the potential for codependent tendencies still lurks. A common sign of codependent behavior is allowing yourself to be taken advantage of. Codependents often feel they must bend over backwards for the other person in order to gain approval. They are willing to compromise their dignity, feelings, and opinions for the sake of being accepted.

On the other side of the spectrum, there are controlling codependents. These are codependent partners who believe they must control everything their partner does. Some signs of controlling behavior include dictating what meals will be served, what the partner will wear, when he or she will see her friends and family, and so on. Oftentimes controlling codependent partners believe that they must behave this way because their partner lacks the intelligence or wherewithal to make proper decisions.

Either way, codependent behavior is seriously unhealthy. Oftentimes it stems from childhood abuse. Those who are raised in households where their parents ignore them, neglect them, control them, or treat them cruelly often end up displaying codependent behavior as adults. Sadly, if left untreated, these victims often show signs of excessive social anxiety, depression, unresolved anger, and worse. In other cases, they may experience PTSD or suicidal urges.

You can treat codependent tendencies with counseling, group therapy, and psychiatric care. Through these methods, you will learn what so many codependents don't understand: that they care capable of leading fully independent, happy lives without pleasing others constantly or controlling others. With time and patience, gradually these epiphanies will come into light.

These are only a few things to consider when researching codependency. If you or someone you know is suffering from a codependent relationship, feel free to consult information from organizations such as Codependency Anonymous. Not only will they provide you with short term solutions to the problem of ending the relationship, but they will also provide long term healing and care for damaged psyches. Learn more today! You don't have to live in a world where you are constantly striving to define yourself according to your partner's whims. Act now today and see what it's like to live independently and love yourself.