Codependency

The features are:

• High tolerance for inappropriate behavior in others
• Controlling behavior
• Indirect, dramatic, or absent communication
• Anger, rage
• Poor self-esteem
• Enabling behavior (allows the addict to continue the addictive behavior)
• Caretaking, rescuing
• Doing more and more for less and less
• Excessive sense of responsibility for the well-being of others
• Preoccupation with another person and their problems, with increasing difficulty focusing on self

Interestingly—and surprisingly to many people—you can be codependent to any dysfunction, whether it’s:

• a child’s behavior problem
• your spouse’s anger management issue
• loved one’s depression or other problem
• excessive/compulsive behaviors in someone else

• Detach from others’ dysfunctional behavior
• Free yourself from taking on other’s problems as though they are yours
• Feel less angry and resentful

• Get clarity about your choices
• Take care of yourself while becoming less preoccupied with others
• Clarify your own identity, passions, and interests