6 Warning Signs To Heed If You Are Co-dependent

If you've been labeled as needy or clingy in previous relationships, it likely caught your attention. If you're questioning whether you might be codependent, now is the time to find out.

In a relationship, a certain level of reliance is healthy, but it should be in moderation. If you become excessively dependent on your partner, there's a risk of losing your individuality in the process.

Moreover, placing all the power in your partner's hands is not a favorable situation. Expressing sentiments like "I can't live without you" has its limits. You should never feel incapacitated or believe that your partner is indispensable for your survival.

Your happiness should not hinge on them; rather, you should want them in your life. Choosing your partner is what makes a relationship truly special.

If you're grappling with codependency or suspect that you might be edging too close to that line, let's delve into the subject to provide some guidance.

# You refrain from making any decisions.

While occasional indecision is normal, especially in relationships, you consistently defer decision-making to your partner. You seek their approval on every matter, even those that don't warrant double-checking. This pattern reveals a level of codependency, as your reliance on their input overshadows your own instincts.

# You consistently make excuses for your partner's behavior.

It's understandable to make occasional excuses for your partner due to embarrassment or other human factors. However, if you find yourself consistently justifying their actions and preventing them from taking responsibility, the boundaries within the relationship have become blurred.

# You always rank second in your relationship.

Regardless of your relationship status, prioritizing yourself is crucial. If you consistently place yourself second to your partner, it indicates a tendency to prioritize their needs over your own. This behavior suggests a codependent dynamic, where your primary goal becomes pleasing your partner.

# You neglect your own feelings.

While you readily agree to your partner's requests, you seldom take a moment to consider your own feelings or desires. Instead of evaluating whether you genuinely want to engage in certain activities, you focus on keeping your partner satisfied while neglecting your own emotional well-being.

# You give more than you receive.

In the relationship, you invest a significant amount of energy and effort, often exceeding what your partner reciprocates. Codependent individuals tend to overextend themselves in fear of rejection, consistently offering more in the relationship than they receive in return.

# You're involved with a "project."

Rather than dating someone well-rounded and balanced, you choose a partner with significant baggage and continuous needs. Codependent individuals tend to attach themselves to those with problems, hoping to "fix" them through constant attention and support.