Break the Cycle of Codependency

You Do Not Have to Keep Engaging In Self-Neglect to Preserve Your Relationships

For many years, I referred to myself as the “strong friend” in my friendships because I always showed up for others and was selfless when it came to giving and pouring out. I was the friend who, no matter how busy I was, I’d answer the phone call to help and provide emotional support. I was the friend who would lend out money to those who needed a loan. I was the friend who chauffeured others around, despite being tired because someone needed a ride, and I had a car.

Photo by Ceyda Çiftci on Unsplash

Then one day, I remember telling my therapist, “I feel so burnt out in my friendships,” as I sighed and felt the weight of fatigue on my shoulders. The more I shared with her why I felt burnt out, the more I began to realize there was a common theme unfolding: My exhaustion was the result of my endless giving, and my infinite giving did not come from a place of selflessness - it came from a place of codependency and the deep urge to rescue others.

All this time, I thought I was the strong friend when I was the codependent friend. 

Defining & Understanding Codependency: The Signs That You Might Be Codependent