17 Characteristics of a Codependent Person.

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Codependency is a dysfunctional behavior pattern that leads to feelings of low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. It is characterized by the need to control or be controlled by another person in order to feel secure. In codependent relationships, both people are dependent on the other for their emotional needs and neither one feels complete without the other. While codependency can manifest in any type of relationship, it is most often seen in relationships with a loved one, such as a romantic partner or family member.

Here are some of the signs that a codependent person may exhibit:

1. Struggling with Control

One of the primary ways in which codependents struggle is with issues of control. They may find themselves trying to control their partner’s behavior or their environment in general. This is often driven by fear and insecurity, as they may feel that if they don’t maintain control, something bad will happen.

2. Difficulty Saying “No”

codependents often struggle with setting boundaries and saying “no” when they need to. They may find themselves saying yes when they really want to say no, or feeling guilty for not doing something that someone else wants them to do.

3. Fear of Abandonment or Rejection

Fear of abandonment or rejection is a common symptom of codependency. Codependents may find themselves clinging to relationships out of fear that their partner may leave them if they don’t do what they want or say yes to everything they ask. This can lead to feelings of low self-esteem and a lack of trust in relationships.

4. Overly Invested in the Happiness of Others

Codependents tend to be overly invested in the happiness of those close to them. This often stems from their fear of abandonment or rejection. They may go out of their way to do things for their partner in order to keep them happy and secure in the relationship. This can lead to neglecting their own needs and desires in order to please others.

5. Low Self Esteem and Poor Self Image

Low self-esteem and poor self-image are common signs of codependency. Codependents may have difficulty believing they are good enough or worthy of love and respect, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. This can manifest in avoiding new challenges or opportunities out of fear of failure.

6. Belief That Others Cannot Survive Without Them

Codependents often have the belief that if they were not around, the people close to them would not be able to survive. This can lead to feelings of guilt and responsibility for other people’s actions, as well as an inability to separate from them emotionally.

7. Codependents Put Others Before Themselves

Codependents often put the needs of others before their own, which can lead to a lack of self-care and even neglecting their own needs. They may find themselves feeling guilty for taking time for themselves or even asking for help. This is often due to a fear of being rejected or seen as selfish.

8. Codependents Have a Need to be Needed

Codependents often have a strong need to be needed by others. They may find themselves sacrificing their own wants and needs in order to fulfill the needs of those close to them. This can lead to feelings of resentment or even a sense that they are not appreciated. They need their family support. Families realize that their codependent loved one needs addiction counseling and treatment. It is advised to opt for a specialized dual diagnosis treatment center. The treatment centers offer comprehensive programs for individuals struggling with addiction and provide the necessary support for a successful recovery.

9. Codependents Feel Responsible for the Actions of Others

It is common for codependents to feel responsible for the actions of those close to them. They may find themselves trying to fix other people’s problems or taking blame for things that were not their fault. This is often due to their need for control and desire to be needed.

10. Difficulty Expressing Emotions and Needs

It can be difficult for codependents to express their own emotions and needs. They may find themselves going along with what other people want instead of speaking up for themselves. This is often due to the fear of rejection or abandonment, as well as low self-esteem.

11. Poor Communication Skills

Codependents often struggle with communication skills as they may have difficulty expressing their needs or feelings. This can lead to misunderstandings with those close to them as well as an inability to resolve conflicts in a healthy manner. This can cause frustration and resentment within relationships.

12. Compulsive Caretaking and Rescuing Behaviors

Codependents may find themselves engaging in compulsive caretaking and rescuing behaviors in order to feel needed by another person. This can include things like trying to fix someone else’s problems or making excuses for their behavior instead of holding them accountable.

13. Having a Fear of Intimacy

Codependents often struggle with intimacy due to fear of abandonment or rejection. They may find themselves avoiding physical or emotional closeness with another person out of fear that they may be hurt if they open up too much. This can lead to difficulty forming meaningful relationships with others.

14. Unhealthy Attachment to People and Relationships

Codependents may find themselves becoming overly attached to people and relationships out of fear of abandonment or rejection. They may put all their energy into one relationship instead of investing in other areas such as work or hobbies. This can lead to an unhealthy dependence on another person and difficulty setting healthy boundaries.

15. Codependents may be codependent in other areas of life, not just relationships

Codependency can affect many aspects of life and not just relationships, for example work, family, or friends. It can manifest in patterns of enabling, caretaking, and sacrificing one’s own needs for the sake of others.

 

16. Inability to Identify Feelings

One of the major signs of a person being codependent is their inability to identify their own feelings. This often leads to difficulty expressing emotions and making decisions based on personal needs and wants. This can result in a constant focus on others and neglect of one’s own emotional well-being.

 

17. Often Feeling Trapped

The 13th characteristic is codependents often feeling trapped in their situation. This can be due to a fear of change or fear of abandonment. This feeling of being stuck can lead to difficulty leaving unhealthy relationships or situations, leading to a cycle of codependency.

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