Codependent Relationship

Are you trapped in a codependent relationship? If this sounds familiar, you aren't alone. There are many ways you can extract yourself from the crippling effects of codependency. Here are a few tips to consider.

In order to understand why codependent tendencies can be so damaging, you must first know what codependency is. Essentially, it is an underlying feeling of extreme inadequacy that often stems from an abusive childhood. Those in a codependent relationship will often feel the need to bend over backwards to please their partner, to the point where they sacrifice their health, dignity, and common sense.

These aren't the only types of codependents out there, however. Another sign of codependent behavior lies in those who feel the need to control. This side of the codependent relationship often means that he or she will control everything his or her spouse does, to the point of regulating food, deciding what clothes he or she will wear, and other invasive behaviors. They do this because they feel the need to validate themselves in this way; they feel as though the partner wouldn't be able to function without them. Sadly, the partner is so crippled by anxiety, self loathing, and lack of self esteem that he or she often believes this to be true.

With this in mind, it's easy to see why a codependent relationship is so incredibly damaging. These behaviors often stem from living in dysfunctional families where the parents neglected, ignored, or treated their children cruelly. This leads victims to try to guess the intentions of others, whether they seek desperately to please or to simply dictate and control.

Fortunately, if this sounds familiar, there are ways to end your codependent relationship. Some couples decide to go to couple's counseling to work out their issues with a therapist involved. Others may decide that splitting up is a better option. If this is the case, there are also many ways you can treat codependency on your own. With counseling, group therapy, journal keeping, or other constructive activities, you can learn more about how to live independently.

Contrary to what you may think, it's possible to end a codependent relationship. You may feel afraid, depressed, and angry, but these feelings are possible to overcome. Consult your counselor or therapist today and take control of your life. Life is too short and too precious to have to live with these issues. Act now and see how codependency therapy can change your life for the better.