Being codependent in a relationship is often a sign of low self-esteem. When we crave validation and approval from someone we share a relationship with, we tend to focus all our energies on making the other person happy. You may share a codependent relationship with your parents, your spouse or even a close friend. Codependent relationships are unhealthy because instead of setting boundaries to prioritize our own happiness and well-being, we strive constantly to please someone else to earn their approval.

Here are a few tips to help you stop seeking codependency in your relationships.

Identifying codependency with a few examples

Codependency can manifest in different relationships. In a parent-child relationship, it can involve deriving a sense of fulfillment from caring for a child even when they become an adult. In romantic relationships, it can involve making excuses for a partner’s abusive behavior or cutting yourself off from your friends just to please your partner.

It’s important to be supportive of someone you share a relationship with, but then codependency is rooted in neglecting your own needs to focus solely on your partner’s. Oftentimes, a codependent relationship can turn toxic, making both you and the other person miserable.

How to avoid being codependent in relationships

You need to consciously and actively make an effort to avoid being codependent in your relationships. Here’s how you can do that.

• Learn how to say no politely but firmly. You don’t have to put your own feelings aside just to accommodate your friend, family member or partner. If for example, you don’t feel like going out on a certain night, you should politely decline instead of feeling guilty for saying no.
• You should practice empathy, but you’re not responsible for solving another person’s problems. Do not allow the people in your life to exploit your kindness.
• If you feel despair because of being codependent on other people, try hypnosis services. A trained hypnotist can help you treat subconscious anxiety, be in touch with your emotions, and achieve a clearer frame of mind. To set boundaries in a codependent relationship, you need to first learn strategies to improve your self-esteem. Hypnosis can help with that.

Get in touch with a certified hypnotist for hypnosis services in Rochester, New York

Learning how to overcome codependency in your relationships begins with implementing strategies in your day to day life to improve your self-esteem. Professional hypnosis can help you set boundaries in your relationships to avoid being codependent on other people in your life.

Get in touch with us at Blossom Hypnosis for hypnosis services in Rochester, NY with Rekha Shrivastava. A Certified Hypnotist and Rehabilitation Counselor, Rekha received her Master’s degree in Psychological Development from the University of Rochester, and has worked at Unity Health System in Rochester, NY for 20 years. Fill out the contact form on our website to get started.