Are You Confusing Codependency with Love?
At the beginning of a relationship, it’s easy to mistake emotional intensity for genuine connection, or constant reassurance for affection. But what if those overwhelming feelings aren’t love at all—what if they’re symptoms of codependency and a deep-seated fear of abandonment?
Why Codependency Feels Like Love—But Isn’t
1. Emotional Dependency Can Mimic Deep Connection
You may feel like you can’t function without your partner, interpreting that as evidence of true love. But this intense reliance often means you’re neglecting your own emotional needs and outsourcing your sense of self-worth. Real love nurtures independence—it doesn’t erase your identity.
2. Abandoning Boundaries Can Look Like Devotion
In a codependent dynamic, giving up personal boundaries might seem like an act of devotion. But constantly prioritising your partner at the expense of yourself can cause you to lose your sense of self. Healthy relationships thrive on mutual respect, where both individuals honor each other’s limits.
3. Reassurance Can Be Mistaken for Caring
Seeking or offering constant reassurance may appear loving, but often it’s driven by anxiety and fear of abandonment. A secure relationship is built on trust—not on the need for continuous validation.
4. Intensity Can Disguise Itself as Intimacy
Being inseparable might feel like a powerful connection, but it can also be a way to avoid the fear of being alone. Genuine intimacy allows space for individuality and growth, rooted in a deep emotional bond that doesn’t rely on constant closeness.
Ready to Break the Cycle?
If any of this feels familiar, it may be time to take a deeper look at your relationship patterns. Healing begins with awareness—and you don’t have to do it alone. I’m here to help you reconnect with your authentic self and move beyond the wounds of your inner child.
Andrea x