How Our Relationships Affect Us
Co-dependency
“When you give another person the power to define you, then you also give them the power to control you.”
Codependency
Codependency is a behavior and mental issue that results in unhealthy relationships that usually don't have an equal amount of give-and-take. Codependents don't have person limits and end up having very low self esteem. They worry so much for the other person in the relationship that they don't take care of themselves.
Are You Codependent?
If you answer 'yes' to many of these then you might want to think about your behavior:
Make excuses, to yourself and others, for another person's inappropriate behavior, instead of calling the person on it and explaining why it upsets you.
Constantly give someone your loyalty when it isn’t deserved or appreciated.
Care for others to the extent that you neglect your own personal needs.
Seem to be unable to ask for help, even when you really need it.
Believe that you are responsible for all the feelings, behavior, or problems of another.
Have difficulty identifying and expressing your feelings.
Can’t seem to form or maintain close relationships with friends, family, or a boyfriend/girlfriend.
Think that making others happy or spoiling them is the only way to get them to like you.
Allow others to dictate what you think, feel, or do.
Bibliography
Codependency. Ginger Offers Hope. Ginder Edwards, Licensed Professional Counsling, n.d. Web. 5 Feb. 2014. <http://www.gingeroffershope.com/therapy/codependency.html>.
Codependent Venn Diagram. My Alcoholic Addict. N.p., n.d. Web. 5 Feb. 2014. <http://www.my-alcoholic-addict.com/codependency.html>.
"Drugs, Alcohol, and Codependency." Teen Health and Wellness. Rosen Publishing Group, Inc., 2014. Web. 5 Feb. 2014 <http://www.teenhealthandwellness.com/article/135/drugs-alcohol-and-codependency->
"Dysfunctional Family." Teen Health and Wellness. Rosen Publishing Group, Inc., 2014. Web. 5 Feb. 2014 <http://www.teenhealthandwellness.com/article/140/dysfunctional-family>
"Progression of Codependency." Nueva Vida. N.p., n.d. Web. 6 Feb. 2014. <http://www.nuevavidaenglish.com/Codependency.html>.
Seligman, Martin E. P. Flourish: A New Understanding of Happiness and Well-being--and How to Achieve Them. London: Nicholas Brealey, 2011. Print.