Co-Dependency in Abusive Relationships

by Dr. Jeanne King, Ph.D.

When your well-being depends on another person feeling good, you are essentially co-dependent. Unfortunately, this is the state of affairs groomed in an abusive relationship.

Some people will tell you that co-dependency is conditioned through domestic abuse. And others will say that people who are co-dependent get into abusive relationships. What do you think?

Living in an Abusive Relationship

If you are in an abusive relationship, you know the way your partner doles out rewards as a function of your willingness to assume responsibility for his/her well-being.

Some couples project that they believe this is one of the assets of their relationship. They take pride in “it” declaring that it’s being in-tune with one another. While it may require being in tune with one’s partner; it’s more about being out of turn with oneself.

Abusive Relationship Conditioning

Take Laura and Alex for example. Alex expects and demands Laura’s sensitivity to his every need. If she misses a step in her catering “responsibilities,” the s_____ hits the fan.

She’s in trouble. He will shower her with his sentiments of her deficiencies until she apologies for what he deems as her wrong doing.