Understanding and Addressing Co-Dependency in Adult Children

As parents, mentors, and caregivers, watching our adult children navigate relationships can be a heartening experience. However, when these relationships veer into co-dependency, it becomes a cause for concern.

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Co-dependent relationships, often rooted in a deep-seated need for approval and an aversion to abandonment, can lead to a host of emotional and psychological issues. Understanding these dynamics and effectively supporting your adult child is crucial.

Identifying the Signs of Co-Dependency

An excessive emotional or psychological reliance on a partner characterizes co-dependency. Here are some signs that your adult child might be in a co-dependent relationship:

1. Losing Sense of Self: If your child’s interests, hobbies, and preferences seem to merge entirely with their partner’s, it might be a red flag.
2. Constant Need for Approval: They might seek continuous validation from their partner, often placing their needs and well-being second.
3. Fear of Abandonment: They may express an overwhelming fear of losing the relationship, leading to people-pleasing…