Codependency is a psychological theory that attempts to explain imbalanced relationships where one person enables another persons self-destructive behavior such as addiction, poor mental health, immaturity, irresponsibility, or under-achievement. It is also known as "relationship addiction" because people with codependency often form or maintain relationships that are one-sided, emotionally destructive, and/or abusive.

Codependency is a learned behavior that is often passed down through families. People with codependency often have a sense of forgetting "where they end and their partner begins" and persistently prioritize someone else over themselves. Some common signs of codependency include:

• Consistently elevating the needs of others above your own
• Controlling behaviors
• Self-sacrifice
• A tendency to focus on others
• Lack of satisfaction or purpose in life outside of the relationship
• A focus on others needs
• Suppression of ones own emotions
• Attempts to control or fix other peoples problems

It is important to note that codependency is not a diagnosable mental health condition, and there is no medical consensus as to its definition. However, it can have consequences for both the codependent person as well as their loved one, and the relationship has the potential to become one-sided or destructive. Fortunately, codependent tendencies can be reined in and replaced with healthier patterns of behavior. By changing thoughts and habits, one can enjoy more fulfilling relationships as well as a greater sense of self-worth.