Consistently prioritizing the requirements of other people over your own is the primary symptom of codependency. Controlling behaviors, self-sacrifice, and rejection apprehension are additional indicators. But there are others as well.

A crucial first step toward developing healthy boundaries and honoring one's own needs is comprehending what codependency actually entails, as well as recognizing the symptoms of codependency in your behavior.

Codependency: What Is It?

If two people in any relationship are so invested in each other that they are unable to function independently are considered to be codependent. The other person defines your identity, happiness, and mood. In this kind of relationship, one person is more passive and unable to make decisions for themselves. The other person, on the other hand, has a dominant personality and benefits from controlling the other person and deciding how they will live in some way.

When one person takes advantage of the other financially or emotionally, codependency becomes problematic, even if the other person did not intend to manipulate the other. Essentially, an individual who characterizes themself through the relationship may not be doing as such in a cognizant manner. Improving the situation necessitates gaining awareness of the subconscious motivations at work.

Codependent personalities typically exhibit a consistent, problematic behavior pattern that directly affects the person's emotional health and ability to find fulfillment in a relationship.

There are a few warning signs that a codependent relationship may be developing between you or someone you know.

Compulsive Attention to Someone

Codependent individuals frequently experience a compulsive need to maintain contact with the other person. You might have the impression that the other person is so significant to you that you need to conceal your true thoughts and opinions in order to ensure that they will like you.

Fear of Abandonment

The majority of your actions in the relationship will be designed to prevent the other person from leaving. Supporting the other person in unhealthy behaviors, lying, and hiding your own feelings are all examples of this.

Lack Of External Support

Relying solely on one individual to meet your emotional needs is another potential risk factor for codependency. It's possible that you don't have a large social circle or people with whom you feel at ease spending time.

Self-doubt

If you support or rely on just one person for too long, it can wear you down. You might be unsure of your choices and feel like you need to let someone else make them for you.

Resentment

In a codependent relationship, you may develop resentment toward the other person after a while. Most importantly, you'll feel resentful toward them and think you can't live without them. This is the most telling indication that your relationship is unhealthy and may be codependent.