As a society, I find we generally label and diagnose, feverishly.

Everyone is allergic to gluten, dairy and corn. Everyone now has ADHD, depression, autism and restless leg syndrome. But somehow, codependency slips under the radar.

We all love love. We find acts of selflessness to be heroic. We honor the martyr.

This is a slippery slope, though. As a high empath, I have always been drawn to those who emote, who really feel feelings. Likewise, I seem to pull pathos out of those who bury it under logos. Consistently connecting with people based on my ability to be available at times of need, contributed to my feeling that self-worth was centered on how helpful I am.

I had created a dynamic within which I felt safe and valued. I spent years in one-sided friendships, giving endlessly of my time and emotional energy despite being stood up and ignored. I spent time I will never get back in a relationship with an active addict where I became a conflicted co-conspirator, a slave to the addiction as well, and ultimately an empty shell of a human being.

In less extreme and more commonly occurring examples, I see couples who so love being with each other that they spend nearly all of their non-working time together. Friendships are lost, hobbies abandoned, plans for the future forgotten. The masses may label these relationships as “sweet,” “committed,” or simply “being in love.”

I  propose that there is a spectrum of codependency. It may range from the stereotype of the mum, bruised housewife living with the abusive, drunkard husband, to the guy who just wants to “save” his girlfriend from any “negative” feelings or situations, meanwhile feeling jealous and angry when she seems fine and social and interacting with anyone other than him.

When looking at these scenarios, a Buddhist may bring up questions of attachment. As someone who has spent a good deal of time with addicts, I see elements of addiction even when a substance is not involved. Byron Katie says, “Addictions are always the effect of an unquestioned mind.”

So let’s question. Let’s look at how we are in relationship with others.

Read the following statements and choose the most honest answer: 1–rarely true, 2–often or sometimes true, 3–almost always true.

1.    People are not trustworthy.

2.    I feel uncomfortable asking for what I want and need.

3.    I worry my partner may leave me.

4.    Other people’s problems keep me up at night and distracted during the day.

5.   I give to others much more than others give to me.

6.    When someone I care about is upset, it is my responsibility to help them feel better.

7.   It is difficult to receive compliments or praise.

8.    I don’t really believe other people love me.

9.    If people would just fix their own problems, I would be happier.

Brush up those math skills and add up the numbers associated with your answers. As with any over-simplified system, I invite you to use these results not as a diagnosis, but as a springboard for taking a critical and compassionate look at yourself.

(9–14) Highly Healthy—You have a calm confidence and appreciation of self. You may have moments of doubt or worry, but you also have a strong base of self-worth and trust in others. You can savor intimacy and ask for help. While no sane person enjoys watching another suffer, you can appreciate that your role in their suffering is never the sole cause, nor are you their savior. You can be present and balanced for both your own and others’ hard times.

(15–21) Room to Grow—You have moments of clarity, peppered with stress. You may find that when alone you can sense being a whole, fulfilled human being, but when around certain people, you can’t hear your inner voice as well and feel a bit shaken. You may be sensitive, unsure of yourself or wanting attention. You may feel pulled in many directions when someone you care about is hurting. Be aware of all of these reactions. I invite you to ask yourself: when (someone else) does (something), how do I feel? Or, when I believe (a stressful thought about myself, someone else or a situation), how do I feel and what do I do?

(22–27) Help is Out There—You have some things going on that would cause most anybody some emotional stress. Not only can this be internally, spiritually damaging, but nothing exists in a vacuum. Are your relationships with other people all that you want them to be? Do you feel, or understand, happiness? What role do other people play in your life? Counseling, Codependents Anonymous, a spiritual practice, or The Work of Byron Katie may be paths to consider in building a more fulfilling life.

Relephant reads:

Beware these Real Life Vampires.

If You Are a Yoga Teacher, Admit it: You are Co-dependent & Needy. ~ Hala Khouri

Quiz: What’s Your Emotional Body Type?

Love elephant and want to go steady?

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