What is the healthy version of codependency?

Interdependency can be considered the healthy cousin of codependency. While codependency is an unequal partnership that puts one person above the other, interdependency requires both people to be able to operate autonomously.


What is the correct term for codependency?

It is also known as “relationship addiction” because people with codependency often form or maintain relationships that are one-sided, emotionally destructive and/or abusive. The disorder was first identified about ten years ago as the result of years of studying interpersonal relationships in families of alcoholics.

What is the opposite of codependency?

Codependency, the habit of gaining your self worth from pleasing others, is something most people know of nowadays. But it's lesser known opposite, called counterdependency, can be just as much of a problem.


What does healthy interdependence look like?

In a healthy, interdependent relationship, you and your partner are able to turn to each other for anything. You appreciate your life together, but also realize the importance of having relationships outside of your own (with family, friends, hobbies, etc.). You do not rely on each other for feelings of self-worth.

Are there different types of codependency?

Codependency Subtypes: Passive and Active

There are two sub-types of codependency: passive and active.


5 Ways CoDependent Relationships Differ from Healthy Ones | CoDependency Masterclass



What are the levels of codependency?

There are three stages of codependency. Understanding the stages may help you identify your own codependent traits so you can seek help if you need it.
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Stages of codependency
  • obsessively thinking about a partner.
  • rationalizing problematic behaviors.
  • having unhealthy boundaries.


Are codependents Empaths?

Empaths can have codependent tendencies but not all codependents are empaths. The difference is that empaths absorb the stress, emotions, and physical symptoms of others, something not all codependents do.

What does a healthy non codependent relationship look like?

You're two autonomous individuals who make a choice to be together and form a couple. You find personal fulfillment through your own interests and accomplishments as well as the relationship. You love and support one another while respecting boundaries between you two.


Am I in love or codependent?

A codependent relationship can look like love, but it isn't. Love is predicated on choice, the choice to support and care for another. If you are dependent on another person for your emotional security and welfare, then the relationship is no longer based on love. Instead, it is based on need.

Am I codependent or interdependent?

While codependency is an unequal partnership that puts one person above the other, interdependency requires both people to be able to operate autonomously. In healthy relationships, couples will feel closely attached and intertwined, but still capable of making their own decisions.

How do I turn off codependency?

Some healthy steps to healing your relationship from codependency include:
  1. Start being honest with yourself and your partner. ...
  2. Stop negative thinking. ...
  3. Don't take things personally. ...
  4. Take breaks. ...
  5. Consider counseling. ...
  6. Rely on peer support. ...
  7. Establish boundaries.


What are codependents afraid of?

Codependent fears

As a result, codependents tend to fear rejection, criticism, not being good enough, failure, conflict, vulnerability, and being out of control. So, situations and people that trigger these fears can spike our anxiety.

What mental illness causes codependency?

Mental health experts borrowed criteria of codependent behavior from dependent personality disorder, borderline personality disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and histrionic personality disorder. Even without a clear diagnosis, giving up on someone with mental illness should be avoided.

Can codependency be healthy?

Codependent relationships are not healthy and do not allow partners room to be themselves, to grow, and to be autonomous. These unhealthy relationships involve one or both partners relying heavily on the other and the relationship for their sense of self, feelings of worthiness, and overall emotional well-being.


What are the two sides of codependency?

Codependent: The codependent has no personal identity, interests, or values outside of their codependent relationship. Dependent: Both people can express their emotions and needs and find ways to make the relationship beneficial for both of them.

What is high functioning codependency?

High functioning codependency is a behavior characterized by blurred boundaries and an imbalance in relationships. In highly functioning codependent relationships, one person takes responsibility for fulfilling another person's needs, trying to control all aspects of their relationship.

What personality type is codependent?

In a codependent relationship, there is usually one person who is more passive and can't make decisions for themselves, and a more dominant personality who gets some reward and satisfaction from controlling the other person and making decisions about how they will live.”


Do codependents fall in love quickly?

While it might sound like a counterdependent would be the least likely to rush into love, it will be very intense codependent types who can convince you to give love a whirl in the first place. In their need to have you trust them, codependents can manipulate things into going very fast.

Can a codependent person change?

Some individuals are able to overcome codependency on their own. Learning about what it means to be codependent and the harm it causes can be enough for some individuals to change their behavior. Some steps you can take to overcome codependence include: Look for signs of a healthy relationship.

What does a codependent wife look like?

Codependency is when one partner feels an excessive emotional reliance on their partner. Textbook signs of codependent personalities are people-pleasing, low self-esteem, and always needing to be in control. According to codependency expert, Darlene Lancer, codependency is a disorder of the self.


What are 10 characteristics of a codependent person?

Codependent Traits
  • Feeling responsible for solving others' problems. ...
  • Offering advice even if it isn't asked for. ...
  • Poor communication regarding feelings, wants, or needs. ...
  • Difficulty adjusting to change. ...
  • Expecting others to do as you say. ...
  • Difficulty making decisions. ...
  • Chronic anger. ...
  • Feeling used and underappreciated.


What makes a woman codependent?

Some characteristics of codependency, according to Mental Health America, include the following: An exaggerated sense of responsibility for the action of others. A tendency to confuse love and pity, with the tendency to “love” people they can pity and rescue. A tendency to do more than their share – all of the time.

What is the best therapy for codependency?

While some individuals may be able to break out of patterns of codependent behavior on their own, often it requires professional treatment. Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps individuals focus on understanding behaviors and changing reactions.


Is codependency a trauma response?

Childhood trauma is often a root cause of codependency. They don't always result, but for many people codependent relationships are a response to unaddressed past traumas. One reason may be that childhood trauma is usually family-centered: abuse, neglect, domestic violence, or even just divorce and fighting.

Why are codependents so needy?

Codependents are needy, demanding, and submissive. They suffer from abandonment anxiety and, to avoid being overwhelmed by it, they cling to others and act immaturely. These behaviors are intended to elicit protective responses and to safeguard the "relationship" with their companion or mate upon whom they depend.