| Co-dependence is a term used frequently to describe | | | | others. In either case, you are taking on some |
| partners or people in close relationships with an | | | | degree of responsibility for the actions of your |
| addict. The traits that are found in these classic | | | | partner. |
| "co-dependent" individuals are often found in other | | | | 3. You take on the consequences of your partner's |
| individuals as well, including those involved with | | | | dysfunctional behavior. If he or she is hungover, you |
| abusers. Partners who are involved in an emotionally | | | | call in sick to work on their behalf. If your partner |
| and psychologically abusive relationship often have | | | | reneges on an agreement or on a responsibility, you |
| similar traits that allow them to persist in a | | | | take it upon yourself to make it right for them and |
| relationship that doesn't meet their needs and causes | | | | apologize, and even attempt to step in and complete |
| emotional turmoil. Being codependent often leads to a | | | | the task for your partner. |
| sense of powerlessness and a struggle to control the | | | | 4. It is more important to keep the "boat afloat" so |
| destructive actions of another unhealthy human | | | | to speak, than to risk changing the dynamic and |
| being, while at the same time, a willingness to suffer | | | | chance losing your partner. While the relationship may |
| through the chaos in the relationship. Here are 5 signs | | | | feel infinitely frustrating and sad to be involved in, |
| you may be codependent: | | | | you are fearful of the unknown and are afraid you |
| 1. You begin your statements about your partner by | | | | will not be able to go on without him or her in your |
| saying "Well, at least he doesn't_______." This is a | | | | life. Rather than truly confronting the issues and |
| way of rationalizing and excusing bad behavior on the | | | | refusing to continue to enable your partner's pattern |
| part of the addict and/or abuser by suggesting that | | | | of dysfunctional behavior, the protests and |
| it could be worse. Sure, a rollover accident that | | | | ultimatums you do issue are weak and you do not |
| causes permanent paralysis is worse than hitting a | | | | follow through with them. |
| windshield and requiring a few stitches, but neither is | | | | 5. You believe that the other partner needs you and |
| preferable to a nice, safe ride to your destination. | | | | will not be able to function without you. You take |
| 2. You cover up incidents of destructive behavior on | | | | responsibility for their well being, and sometimes their |
| the part of your partner. You may be embarrassed | | | | very life. This is a more comfortable situation than |
| and ashamed by the fact that you are putting up | | | | one where you are in an equal give and take |
| with the behavior, and you may also be driven to | | | | relationship. |
| "protect" your partner form the backlash from | | | | |