Therapist Warns Codependency Becomes Particularly Damaging When It Spans Multiple Relationships Simultaneously

What was said

"I think codependency is especially damaging when the majority of your relationships are codependent. it's it's one thing to have a codependent relationship, and it's a whole other thing when it's like you have 10. You're doing a coworker's work. You're the friend who's over helping in that dynamic. Now, you're the partner who's burned out because you're doing everything at home. Then you have the parent who that's that's when it becomes particularly burdensome because you have no space where you can show up and receive support."

Nedra Glover Tauab identifies a critical distinction in codependency patterns: having one codependent relationship versus having codependent dynamics across work, friendships, romantic partnerships, and family simultaneously. She explains this creates a situation where a person is constantly supporting others with no relationships where they receive support themselves, leading to loneliness, depression, and burnout. Tauab emphasizes that people in this pattern actually have leverage because they've made themselves needed.