Consider the following:
“I am more focused on changing my partner, than I am on changing myself.”
“If my partner is unhappy, I am incredibly uncomfortable and feel I need to fix or change their emotional state.
“I need to sacrifice my own happiness and/or well-being in order to ensure my partner is happy.”
If these statements rang true for you, you may have a tendency towards codependency.
Codependency is a dynamic in relationships that lends itself to dissatisfaction, resentment, and having unmet needs. Once identified, you have an opportunity to shift it. You can work to:
Become aware of what triggers codependent behavior for you
Explore the ways codependence has tried to keep you “safe”
Identify alternative behaviors, when these triggers arise, that are healthier and will serve you best
In this week’s episode, we’re talking with codependency expert, Marlena Tillhon, MSc. She’s sharing common traits of codependency in relationships, how codependency can create challenges in a partnership, and strategies for moving towards a healthier dynamic.
Marlena Tillhon, MSc, is an experienced psychotherapist specializing in helping people end their struggles with codependency and insecure attachment and learn how to create healthy relationships so that they can finally get the love they need. You can visit her website at marlena.love, follow her on Instagram @lovewithclarity, and join her Love with Clarity community on Facebook. Marlena has a free video course, Losing Yourself in Relationships, that you can access here.
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.