Can codependents be happy?
The codependent is only happy when making extreme sacrifices for their partner. They feel they must be needed by this other person to have any purpose. Dependent: Both parties make their relationship a priority, but can find joy in outside interests, other friends, and hobbies.
Can a codependent recover?
People with codependency often have low self-esteem and perfectionist tendencies. Learning self-compassion is often an important part of recovery. A person in therapy may practice being kind to themselves and forgiving their own mistakes. Over time, their drive to overcompensate may lessen.
How do you overcome codependency and live a fulfilled life?
Some healthy steps to healing your relationship from codependency include:
- Start being honest with yourself and your partner.
- Stop negative thinking.
- Don’t take things personally.
- Take breaks.
- Consider counseling.
- Rely on peer support.
- Establish boundaries.
Can codependents be successful?
Not all codependent relationships turn sour, Becker says. But if you seek out, maintain, or even feed off relationships that are not fulfilling or healthy, you could be codependent. Once codependency is identified, it can be successfully treated, Becker says.
What are the tools of recovery for codependency?
It takes time and involves the following four steps:
- Abstinence. Abstinence or sobriety is necessary to recover from codependency.
- Awareness. It’s said that denial is the hallmark of addiction.
- Acceptance. Healing essentially involves self-acceptance.
- Action. Insight without action only gets you so far.
Do codependents have friends?
Often, the giving friend enables the taker friend. Their loving support and problem-solving make it easy for the taker to avoid responsibility and/or the hard work of personal change. Codependent friendships often work well, at least temporarily.