Essay On Codependency

What is codependency? Codependency, a term that comes up quite frequently in conversation about relationships, marriage and divorce, is sometimes glossed over. The actual definition goes something like this: an excessive reliance on a partner – either emotional or psychological. In many cases the partner being “relied” on may require support due to an illness, addiction or other chronic issue.

If you have been through a divorce and your close friends, your family, your therapist or even your ex has suggested that you are codependent, consider the possibility. It’s a fairly common occurrence and if handled appropriately, there’s no reason to believe that the cycle cannot be broken.

If you aren’t sure if you were in a codependent relationship

No matter how much work was required, I could do it. I could always do more.”
“I sacrificed my own well-being and my entire sense of self in favor of my spouse’s well-being and the continuity of our marriage.”
“I was (or am) responsible for all the emotional work in the marriage.”
“I sacrificed so much for the sake of our marriage that I resented it and started to hate myself.”
“When problems occurred, I blamed myself and my inability to solve them.”
“I continued to attempt to have a relationship even through he/she was completely emotionally detached, cheating, or even abusing me.”

People in codependent relationships often suffer frequent emotional abuse. They often blame themselves for not being enough for their partner or not being all that they want or need. The partners of codependent spouses often seem to skate through the marriage waiting for all their needs to be met and taken care of. They usually have no regard for the actual health of their marriage or partner. When delving a little deeper into what codependency actually means, it becomes all too clear that the cycle must be