7 Examples of Typical Codependent Behaviors

Fear of Rejection

A person with codependency often fears rejection, leading to constant approval-seeking. This manifests in people-pleasing or avoiding genuine expression of feelings.

Difficulty Being Alone

Codependent individuals struggle with being alone due to a deep fear of abandonment and reliance on others for a sense of identity.

Enabling Behavior

Codependent individuals may enable harmful behaviors in loved ones. For example, covering up a partner's mistakes or providing financial support despite consequences.

Avoidance of Conflict

To maintain harmony and avoid rejection, codependent individuals often avoid conflict, which can lead to unaddressed issues and bottled-up feelings.

Difficulty Setting Boundaries

Codependent individuals struggle with setting healthy boundaries, often taking on too much and feeling overwhelmed or taken advantage of.

Control Issues

Codependent individuals may exhibit subtle control issues, such as constantly checking a partner’s phone or dictating their social interactions, to manage their anxieties.

Lack of Personal Identity

People with codependency often lack a strong sense of self, defining themselves through their relationships and experiencing instability in their personal identity.

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