I have been in codependent relationships for most of my adult life and never realized why my relationships weren't ever healthy until just recently. If you are struggling with these types of relationships, this is a great video on some actionable steps that you can take to overcome codependency.
A lot of these things are things that I have done and these steps really work for me as I try to become healthier and overcome my codependency.
If any of these video rang true with you, you don't have to continue to live your life in this way. You can take steps to get better and have better relationships. Learn more about codependent relationships or get a list of common traits of codependents to start you on your path to healing.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
What Are Codependent Relationships?
Codependent relationships can be difficult to explain and understand. If you ask the average person what a codependent relationship is, they will probably tell you that it's when one person can't live without another and every one of their actions and thoughts revolves around that other person. They may go on to tell you that a codependent person isn't capable of making any decisions on their own.
While this definition may be partly true, it doesn't completely or accurately describe what codependency is. There are many people in codependent relationships who are independent and don't need to rely on someone else to make every decision for them. In fact, many who struggle with codependency actually spend their time trying to run other people's lives.
Codependency was first coined as a term years ago when the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous found that many family members of alcoholics shared similar personality traits. It almost appeared that while the addict was addicted to alcohol, the family had become addicted to the alcoholic. In most cases, this probably happened because family members were coping with a sick person in the best way they knew how. They had to try to take control in order to hold things together. As a result, they became codependent.
There are a lot of good definitions for codependent relationships, but the bottom line is that it's an unhealthy place to be.
If you are dependent on someone else for your emotional well-being, meaning you rely on someone else for all of your good feelings, there's a good chance that you are struggling with codependency.
Similarly, a codependent relationship could be one in which you try to control all aspects of the relationship. For example, maybe you are married to an alcoholic or someone with a drug problem. Codependent behaviors can include things like covering for your spouse, hiding alcohol, trying to find your spouse when he or she disappears on another drinking binge, trying to fix your spouse, etc.
Many people in codependent relationships believe that they need another person to be happy. They find their happiness in a relationship and not in themselves. This isn't a healthy way to live because ultimately, each person has to be in control of their own emotions and their own happiness.
The good news is that you don't have to stay in an unhealthy relationship. There are things you can do to change your way of thinking and your actions that will make you healthier and happier. Learn more about codependent relationships and how you can start overcoming codependency today!
While this definition may be partly true, it doesn't completely or accurately describe what codependency is. There are many people in codependent relationships who are independent and don't need to rely on someone else to make every decision for them. In fact, many who struggle with codependency actually spend their time trying to run other people's lives.
Codependency was first coined as a term years ago when the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous found that many family members of alcoholics shared similar personality traits. It almost appeared that while the addict was addicted to alcohol, the family had become addicted to the alcoholic. In most cases, this probably happened because family members were coping with a sick person in the best way they knew how. They had to try to take control in order to hold things together. As a result, they became codependent.
There are a lot of good definitions for codependent relationships, but the bottom line is that it's an unhealthy place to be.
If you are dependent on someone else for your emotional well-being, meaning you rely on someone else for all of your good feelings, there's a good chance that you are struggling with codependency.
Similarly, a codependent relationship could be one in which you try to control all aspects of the relationship. For example, maybe you are married to an alcoholic or someone with a drug problem. Codependent behaviors can include things like covering for your spouse, hiding alcohol, trying to find your spouse when he or she disappears on another drinking binge, trying to fix your spouse, etc.
Many people in codependent relationships believe that they need another person to be happy. They find their happiness in a relationship and not in themselves. This isn't a healthy way to live because ultimately, each person has to be in control of their own emotions and their own happiness.
The good news is that you don't have to stay in an unhealthy relationship. There are things you can do to change your way of thinking and your actions that will make you healthier and happier. Learn more about codependent relationships and how you can start overcoming codependency today!
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