The Warning Signs

Codependency is hard to spot in yourself because it feels like love.

Responsible for others' feelings. Not empathetic — responsible. When your partner is unhappy, you believe it is your job to fix it.

Cannot say no. The word is almost physically hard to produce. Every no triggers guilt.

Own needs neglected. Your needs sit at the bottom — and you may not even know what they are anymore.

Drawn to people who need fixing. The struggling artist, the recovering addict, the emotionally unavailable partner.

Self-worth tied to being needed. If nobody needs you, you feel worthless, and the thought triggers real anxiety.