What is the difference between codependent vs dependent relationships? Do you know which one you have?
Dependent Relationships
A dependent relationship is a healthy one. This is where two people look to the other person for love and support.
A person with a codependent personality may also be a people pleaser. They need to feel needed and will say yes to their own detriment.
In a dependent relationship, both people make the relationship a priority, putting the other person first while also having outside interests and friends.
In a dependent relationship, both people are comfortable expressing their needs and desires and are able to navigate through conflict in a healthy way.
Codependent Relationships
In a codependent relationship, the partner who is codependent does not have an identity outside of the relationship. If they were to break up, the codependent partner will blame themselves and may go for professional help but only with the goal of gaining their partner back instead of for personal development.
In a codependent relationship needs and desires are ignored and the codependent partner does not understand the importance of having their needs and desires met or expressing them if they are able to identify what they are. They are busy making personal sacrifices meeting their partner’s needs and their partner does not reciprocate.
In a codependent relationship, one or both people can be codependent, affecting their personal and work relationships and responsibilities.
Someone who is codependent is not true to themselves or to those they have a relationship with.
For more information on codependent relationships, read this article on Symptoms Of Codepency In Relationships.
If you can identify with codependency in your relationship or are unsure, it’s best you get professional support. Click here to book an online counselling appointment with us.
