Codependence is when two or more people fulfill a need for each other that strengthens a dysfunction between them.
You’ll often see this kind of dynamic between several different types of people:
- The Rescuer and the Addict
- The People-Pleaser and the Abuser
- The Highly Sensitive and the Insensitive
There are many more types and they all have a complimentary nature to them. Recognizing them is usually fairly easy as well. Just look for someone who seems to give a lot to the relationship but never receives enough. Toxic relationships such as this almost always build resentment because the giver becomes tired of always trying to satisfy the needs of the taker.
It’s the perfect imbalance of love and energy.
No matter what type of codependent relationship it is, the theme is usually the same: The dysfunctional behavior of one person supports the dysfunctional behavior of another.
Important: If you are hurting someone you care about due to codependent behaviors, and you’d like to change that about yourself, sign up for the life-changing Healed Being program over at healedbeing.com).
If you are currently in a relationship with someone who is codependent and is hurtful to you, listen to my podcast Love and Abuse to help you navigate through the difficulties.