Wondering if you’re in a codependent relationship? If you are having marital issues and think you might have symptoms of codependency that are unhealthy, learn more about what it is and how it affects relationships and individuals. There are relationship therapy options that can help you both improve your relationship and save your marriage.
Codependency Meaning in Relationships
Codependency is a controversial concept for a dysfunctional helping relationship where one person supports or enables another person’s addiction, poor mental health, immaturity, irresponsibility, or under-achievement.
Codependency in Marriage
Are you Codependent in your marriage? Below are some of the symptoms of codependency in marriage and relationships:
Symptoms of a Codependent Relationship
- Having difficulty making decisions in a relationship
- Having difficulty identifying your feelings
- Having difficulty communicating in a relationship
- Valuing the approval of others more than valuing yourself
- Lacking trust in yourself and having poor self-esteem
- Having fears of abandonment or an obsessive need for approval
- Having an unhealthy dependence on relationships, even at your own cost
- Having an exaggerated sense of responsibility for the actions of others
But before you throw in the towel and get wrapped up in labeling yourself or your spouse, know that it is rare for there to be only one dysfunctional person in a relationship. Whether either partner has a substance abuse, addiction, or other problem, it is possible to unknowingly support this toxic behavior when codependency is present in your relationship.
What we believe about Codependency in Marriage
In Imago Therapy, we believe that we marry the very person we need in order to grow and heal our unmet childhood needs. This means there is inevitable conflict along the way. With that said, instead of labeling whether or not you are codependent, begin to focus on what you can do to get safe in the relationship and create a safe space for your partner.
Advice for Partners in a Codependent Relationship
Learn how to ask for what you need and establish healthy boundaries. Your relationship is not doomed. You may be exactly where you need to be to grow as long as your partner is willing to go through the process together with you.
Continue Reading
- Intensive Marriage Counseling Retreats
- Non-Religious Marriage Counseling
- Overcoming Intimacy Issues Caused by Childhood Trauma
- Infidelity Marriage Counseling
- Defining Infidelity: Types of Cheating & How it Can Affect Relationships
- Reestablishing Trust After Infidelity
If you think you have a problem with codependency and you’d like to be able to enjoy a relationship that feels equal and supportive, contact us using the form below. We have marriage retreats with intensive therapy, group Imago therapy workshops, and even online therapy options.
There’s nothing quite like the power of gaining clarity on a confusing situation. Complete the form below to talk with Rabbi Slatkin to see what he thinks would be best for you and your unique situation.
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