Another way to look at codependency is to view it as an imbalance in personal boundaries and self-care within relationships. Codependency often involves prioritising the needs and emotions of others to the detriment of one’s own well-being. Here are some alternative perspectives:
Lack of Personal Boundaries: Codependency can be seen as a lack of healthy personal boundaries, where individuals find it difficult to say no or to prioritize their own needs over the demands of others.
Over-Responsibility: It can also be viewed as taking on too much responsibility for the emotions, actions, and problems of others, often feeling the need to “fix” or “rescue” them.
Self-Worth Tied to Approval: Another perspective is seeing codependency as a situation where one’s self-worth and identity are closely tied to the approval and validation from others, leading to an excessive need for acceptance.
Fear of Rejection: Codependency can stem from a deep fear of rejection or abandonment, causing individuals to go to great lengths to maintain relationships, even if they are unhealthy.
Emotional Enmeshment: It can be viewed as emotional enmeshment, where the boundaries between individuals become blurred, and one’s sense of self is intertwined with the emotions and experiences of another person.
Understanding codependency from these perspectives can help in recognising the patterns and motivations behind it, leading to healthier ways of relating to others and maintaining one’s emotional and mental health.
