Where's the line between...

[aribell]

...inter-dependence and co-dependence? What makes a person clingy or too emotionally demanding? Have you had experiences either with a bad codependent relationship (romantic, familial, platonic) or a good and healthy inter-dependent one?



I realized that I get very turned off by any hint of emotional dependence. It makes me feel like I'm being unsupportive sometimes, but I really feel like people are ultimately responsible for their own emotions and happiness and while I am 100% happy to listen, give encouragement, or offer counsel, I never see myself as the solution to someone's woes or responsible for making things better for them.

 

[snugglez41685]

Yes I have. My child's father is an example of emotional/codependency. It didn't turn out to well.

 

[Whimsy]

I think the line is drawn by each couple. I've known some couples where in my mind I'm thinking, damn that's one clingy arse couple....but it works well for them. And others where it seems they don't communicate much but it works for them.

A former coworker said a mutual friend of ours' SO was clingy because while we were out shopping, her SO called to let her know he was going out after work instead of coming home. In my mind that's just NORMAL, but clearly to other folks like my excoworker that could be looked at as clingy or co-dependant.

I think once a certain behavior gets to be too much for one party in the relationship then it's "too" clingy or whatever, but as long as both ppl are happy, then it's just enough.

 

[lesedi]

snugglez41685 : that baby is tugging at my womb, what a cutie!!!

- Great thread, not sure if i know the answer as yet...