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Written by redwood
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26 May 2010 |
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The concept of Codependency is difficult to grasp. Quite often we are told by someone we are "codependent" - but what does this mean and why does it matter?
Codependents are often raised in dysfunctional households as children. The dysfunction springs from addictive parents or codependent parents who are emotionally, physically, or sexually abusive or unavailable. The child raised in this atmosphere is distrustful, suffers low self-esteem, fears abandonment, craves love and attention, and believes others needs are more important than his/her own.
Codependent Traits
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Overdeveloped sense of responsibility which causes us to worry/focus on others more than ourselves.
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Difficulty "feeling" our emotions due to repression of our needs and feelings during childhood
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Afraid of angry people and authority figures
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Like to take care of others, but ignore our own needs
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Find it easy to give to others and difficult to receive
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Often form relationships with others who are unable or unwilling to give back, often addicts
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Often feel guilty, "wrong", isolated.
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Believe other's point of view or opinions have more validity than our own
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Don't believe we are "good enough" for jobs, relationships, etc.
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Work twice as hard as everyone else to make up for our perceived short-comings
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Have difficulty making decisions
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Compromise my own values or feelings to gain approval or avoid reproach from others
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Loyal, even to the detriment of ourselves
Health Topics:
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