Healthy dependence or interdependence is not a bad thing. It’s perfectly normal and part of what we do as human beings. Codependence is not just dependence. Co-dependence involves partners who rely on each other, are dependent on each other but in a manner that is far from healthy.

The same may result in a lack of space, a lack of boundaries, conflating with one another and not being able to maturely handle separation among other things.

Boundaries to Help Break Co-Dependent Patterns

Being codependent is not a permanent state and is a way of engaging that can be altered over time by putting in the right work. Among other things, there are certain boundaries you can draw for yourself and your co-dependent partner to help break the cycle or pattern.

Respect Each Other’s Space

Earlier in relationships, two partners spending the bulk of their time together can be seen as sweet and endearing. This is fine in small quantities but if this becomes the modus operandi, it could be problematic. It is important to get into the practice of allowing yourself and your partner to have time and space to do their own thing.

This could be time and space to take up a hobby, learn a new skill or simply spend time with other friends and relatives. Giving each other time and space and being comfortable in doing so is a brilliant anti-codependence exercise you could try!

Learn to Say No

Many co-dependent individuals have serious trouble turning down their partners. Even if a situation is not convenient for them, they tend to oblige if only to please the other. This in turn often makes them bitter in the long run.

One boundary that can be placed and practiced is the practice of saying no. Both partners should get into the practice of saying no to each other every now and then. Especially if the request being denied is one which is incongruent to the partner being requested!

Be Honest

Due to a need to please and impress as well as a fear of being abandoned, those in codependent relationships really struggle with honesty. If you want to be less codependent, start being honest. Though this might result in temporary annoyances, temporary rejection and a little unpleasantness, in the long run it will be for the better.

In any case, being more honest means your relationship will be a lot more real!

In Conclusion

There are a number of other things you can do to help address your codependency but the points above should prove particularly helpful. If you’re someone located in Rochester – NY or anywhere else in the US and would like to schedule an online Skype hypnosis session to work with codependency, just connect with us. Remember, if you do the work, it will pay off!