<\/span><\/h4>\nCodependent people typically suffer from low self-esteem and a negative self-image, leaving them feeling inadequate, insecure, and helpless. Those codependent people may feel unworthy when they are not acknowledged and validated by those around them. They may also feel bad about themselves because of comparisons to others. Because of their insecurities, they may try to get the approval of others to feel better about themselves. A person who suffers from codependency may, for instance, be too concerned with what their partner or coworkers think of them and may even be hard on themselves if they don’t get enough praise. When their spouse is affectionate or supportive, a codependent may feel good about themselves, but when their partner is cold or critical, they may feel like a total failure.<\/li>\n
\n<\/span>Control Issues:<\/span><\/h4>\nTo feel safe in relationships, codependents may need to exert control over their surroundings and the people in them. They could try to exert power and influence over others using manipulation, guilt, or other means. To cope with uncertainty, they may attempt to govern their partner’s actions, thoughts, and emotions or micromanage their own lives. Codependents may try to exert power over their partners by making all the decisions for them or by continually criticizing their every move. Relationships may become strained, and one’s autonomy may be curtailed. A codependent person may, for instance, be too concerned with how their partner acts or react negatively when their plans change.<\/li>\n
\n<\/span>Anxiety and Stress :<\/span><\/h4>\nAnxiety and stress are common in people with codependency. They may be too concerned with and feel responsible for the happiness of others. For instance, a codependent individual may worry excessively when their partner is sad or have difficulty maintaining healthy relationships.<\/li>\n
\n<\/span>Guilt and Shame:<\/span><\/h4>\nRegret or embarrassment associated with establishing limits. Those who are codependent are more likely to blame themselves for relationship issues and experience significant feelings of guilt and shame as a result. They may also take the comments of others to heart and convince themselves they will never amount to anything. Codependents often experience shame and guilt when focusing on themselves rather than their partner’s issues.<\/li>\n
\n<\/span>Difficulty with Trust: