Relationships come with their own set of challenges the couple has to endure and overcome in order to stay together. But sometimes, the problem does not develop as a couple but is, instead, something that both parties have brought into the relationship. A prime example of this is co-dependency.
Being co-dependent means that each individual in the relationship are together because neither can stand the thought of being alone. If you looked at it from a couple's standpoint, it could be viewed as each person feeling they are only able to make up half of a perfect scenario and both sides are necessary in order to feel complete.
Some people might hear this and assume it would make for a good relationship. After all, each person feels they need the other one. What could be wrong with that outlook, right?
But being so dependent on your partner is a long way from having a healthy relationship. It takes you away from how you should be focusing on living your own life and devoting time and attention to your happiness - not your partner's. While there is nothing wrong with being committed in the relationship, there is such a thing as devoting too much attention to your partner and not enough to yourself.
When partner "A" is co-dependent on partner "B" it means partner "A" is relying on their partner to give them way too much to focus on. If they do not pay as much attention to partner "B's'' needs, then they will be forced to deal with their own shortcomings. They would be unhappy and feel trapped if they did not have partner "B" and their issues to dwell on.
Where does co-dependency come from? Although we are all born with an inner need to be dependent on our parents, being co-dependent takes that emotion quite a bit further. Instead of growing out of this need, we internalize it and expound upon it. Sometimes an event in our lives can take a simple dependency and catapult it into a major co-dependency.
How do you overcome being co-dependent? The first stage is to admit that there is, in fact, a problem. You simply cannot, and will not, accept help unless you realize it is a problem. Next, you need to seek help from a trained professional who understands what is necessary to overcome this addiction. If you try to tackle this problem on your own, you will only end up right back where you started.
Learn about yourself... are you in a co-dependent relationship? What emotions are at the heart of the problems you are experiencing? Stop and have a look at your beliefs?
Being co-dependent means that each individual in the relationship are together because neither can stand the thought of being alone. If you looked at it from a couple's standpoint, it could be viewed as each person feeling they are only able to make up half of a perfect scenario and both sides are necessary in order to feel complete.
Some people might hear this and assume it would make for a good relationship. After all, each person feels they need the other one. What could be wrong with that outlook, right?
But being so dependent on your partner is a long way from having a healthy relationship. It takes you away from how you should be focusing on living your own life and devoting time and attention to your happiness - not your partner's. While there is nothing wrong with being committed in the relationship, there is such a thing as devoting too much attention to your partner and not enough to yourself.
When partner "A" is co-dependent on partner "B" it means partner "A" is relying on their partner to give them way too much to focus on. If they do not pay as much attention to partner "B's'' needs, then they will be forced to deal with their own shortcomings. They would be unhappy and feel trapped if they did not have partner "B" and their issues to dwell on.
Where does co-dependency come from? Although we are all born with an inner need to be dependent on our parents, being co-dependent takes that emotion quite a bit further. Instead of growing out of this need, we internalize it and expound upon it. Sometimes an event in our lives can take a simple dependency and catapult it into a major co-dependency.
How do you overcome being co-dependent? The first stage is to admit that there is, in fact, a problem. You simply cannot, and will not, accept help unless you realize it is a problem. Next, you need to seek help from a trained professional who understands what is necessary to overcome this addiction. If you try to tackle this problem on your own, you will only end up right back where you started.
Learn about yourself... are you in a co-dependent relationship? What emotions are at the heart of the problems you are experiencing? Stop and have a look at your beliefs?
