Codependency involves an excessive need to care for others at the expense of oneself, sacrificing happiness and well-being. Symptoms include an excessive need to please others, a need to control others, and being in harmful relationships. Help can be found through therapy or support groups.
Symptoms of codependency and codependent behavior often revolve around an excessive and compulsive need to care for others at the expense of oneself. When a codependent person recognizes that another person is feeling sad or upset, for example, he or she will feel those same emotions rather than simple empathy and attempt to resolve the problem immediately. The main signs of codependency involve sacrificing one’s happiness and well-being and viewing oneself as a completely selfless person, all in the perceived service of another.
An excessive need to please others is another of the most common symptoms of codependency. While codependent behavior is most often associated with romantic relationships, it can occur in any type of relationship, such as friendships, family relationships, or workplace interactions. A codependent person will not want to express a different opinion due to a need to please other people and out of fear of rejection. If two people decide on something fun to do, for example, the codependent person will generally go along with whatever the other person wants to do, refusing to express displeasure even if she isn’t interested in the activity.
The need to control others can be one of the signs of codependency, which may seem strange when compared with the symptoms above. However, the person who is codependent will often give advice without being asked, or attempt to tell others how they “should” behave or feel. If the other person doesn’t take the advice, the codependent person will often feel angry and rejected; It is important for a codependent person to feel needed in any relationship they are in. Also, often giving gifts or doing things for other people is another symptom of codependency; people expect to be recognized and appreciated for their efforts.
Symptoms of codependency can also involve being in harmful relationships, such as with an abusive person. Codependency is characterized by the negative impact on one’s life, but many people who behave codependently do not recognize the behavior in themselves. They may not be able to make decisions or acknowledge how they feel about a situation. These are just a few of the many possible symptoms of codependency; anyone concerned about this behavior itself may be able to find help by visiting a psychologist or attending a support group.
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