Have you ever felt like you constantly give to others and sacrifice your own needs? Do you find yourself putting other people's needs ahead of your own? Do you feel like your relationships are one-sided and unfulfilling? If so, then you may be living with codependency.
Codependency issues can lead to unhealthy relationships. This type of behavior often involves trying to control the other person's emotions and actions, thinking those sacrifices will ward off any potential conflict or abandonment. Over time this compulsion can be exhausting and damaging to both parties, leading to a feeling of isolation and unhealthy attachments that stand in the way of true intimacy. Understanding exactly what codependency is and how it manifests itself in a relationship can be integral for both people involved if they are to regain their autonomy and create a stronger connection.