How to Avoid Codependent Relationships
Co-dependency is when you start giving more importance to your relationship than you give to yourself. While this may initially come off as something that would make the bond between you and your significant other grow stronger, it actually hurts the relationship and can make you panicky and depressed all the time. You will find your interpersonal growth become paralysed as you focus on nothing but the relationship.
When you notice signs of co-dependency in yourself, act immediately to make it stop so that you can enjoy a healthy life and relationship.
Instructions
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1
You need to put a little distance between yourself and this person. This does not mean that you should leave them. Just spend some time away from them to discover who you are without them. Communicate this to them so that they can be a little supportive. If you get a negative reaction from them once you tell them that you want to spend some time alone, do not panic. Do not start thinking that the person will abandon you.
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2
Analyse your thoughts and behaviour. How do you react when faced by a problem? Do you call up your significant other and ask them to help you resolve the problem? Do you want them to make you feel needed? Does your significant other take advantage of your strong reliance on them? If yes, you are clearly co-dependent on them.
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3
Busy yourself with activities that you would not have done while being in a relationship. Let yourself be free and expressive. Discover who you are and what you want. Appreciate yourself and learn to have faith in yourself. Co-dependency has a lot to do with a lack of confidence in oneself and what one is capable of. You do not need others to help you tackle the everyday challenges that life throws at you. You do not need someone else to tell you that you are amazing. Just believe in yourself and love yourself before you go around expecting others to believe in you and love you.
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4
If you are having trouble with discovering yourself and remain psychologically addicted to your significant other, consider getting some professional help. A psychiatrist may be able to help you relax and clearly think about how your behaviour is affecting the relationship.
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5
Rather than acting like you desperate need your significant other, make them feel that you need to be around them. Stop being extremely clingy and passive and give them some space to breathe.
