Navigating relationships is not always easy, especially when you struggle with self-esteem. If you want to have healthy relationships, it’s important to be able to recognize codependent behaviors when they arise. One way to do this is to create healthy boundaries. You can also learn to identify what codependent behaviors you’re engaging in that may cause problems in relationships.
Codependent Behaviors
At our recovery center Avalon Malibu, we help clients work on a variety of behavioral issues. One of the most common things we see clients struggling with in relationships is codependent behavior. You may be wondering exactly what codependent behaviors are.
Codependent behaviors arise when a person struggles with a condition called codependency. Codependency is a condition in which a person struggles to feel whole and complete without another person. That can impact someone’s ability to have a healthy relationship. Granted, codependency can be incredibly challenging to understand, as its workings are quite complex.
Over-Reliance on Relationships
When an individual is codependent, it means that they’re too reliant on a relationship as the source of their good feelings. This can lead to a variety of different problems. One is an excessive fear of abandonment. This fear, in turn, gives rise to clingy and controlling behaviors. As one can imagine, when individuals are codependent, their relationships can be negatively impacted.
Codependency can be difficult to recognize, as it’s hard to tell the difference between being “close” and being codependent. That’s why it’s important to learn more about how to define and address codependency.
What Now?
If you think you may be in a codependent relationship, you may be wondering what to do next. It’s important to note that everyone has a different journey. What might work for one person to address codependent behaviors in a relationship may not work for another.
One of the most helpful things you can do to unlearn codependency is to work with the right therapist. A therapist will be able to help you identify what boundaries you can put in place and hold you accountable. Having the advice of a professional can be extremely helpful. For this reason, you may want to consider whether therapy could be the right starting point for you.
Our staff at Avalon Malibu have witnessed just how important it is to work through codependent behaviors. When facing these tendencies head-on, you can begin to create healthier and happier relationships.
If you’re ready to take the next step toward unlearning codependent behaviors, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Avalon Malibu. We can provide you with more information and connect you with a therapist who may be able to help you achieve your goals. If this sounds like the right choice for you, feel free to give us a call at (844) 857-5992. We’ve helped many of our clients not only identify their codependent behaviors but also work to overcome them. It’s never too late to start achieving your mental health goals, so reach out to us today.
