The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
Found this on Codependency and thought I'd share with anyone else learning about this topic too. It's quite scary but helpful to learn about ourselves in this process. This is not Al Anon material, but was helpful to me when I read it.
Characteristics of Codependency ***************************** 1. My good feelings about who I am stem from being liked by you 2. My good feelings about who I am stem from receiving approval from you 3. Your struggle affects my serenity. My mental attention focuses on solving your problems/relieving your pain 4. My mental attention is focused on you 5. My mental attention is focused on protecting you 6. My mental attention is focused on manipulating you to do it my way 7. My self-esteem is bolstered by solving your problems 8. My self-esteem is bolstered by relieving your pain 9. My own hobbies/interests are put to one side. My time is spent sharing your hobbies/interests 10. Your clothing and personal appearance are dictated by my desires and I feel you are a reflection of me 11. Your behavior is dictated by my desires and I feel you are a reflection of me 12. I am not aware of how you feel. I am aware of how you feel 13. I am not aware of what I want - I ask what you want. I am not aware - I assume 14. The dreams I have for my future are linked to you 15. My fear of rejection determines what I say or do 16. My fear of your anger determines what I say or do 17. I use giving as a way of feeling safe in our relationship 18. My social circle diminishes as I involve myself with you 19. I put my values aside in order to connect with you 20. I value your opinion and way of doing things more than my own 21. The quality of my life is in relation to the quality of yours
Are you Codependent? ************************* Melody Beattie, author of Codependent No More developed this check list:
Do you feel responsible for other people--their feelings, thoughts, actions, choices, wants, needs, well-being and destiny? Do you feel compelled to help people solve their problems or by trying to take care of their feelings? Do you find it easier to feel and express anger about injustices done to others than about injustices done to you? Do you feel safest and most comfortable when you are giving to others? Do you feel insecure and guilty when someone gives to you? Do you feel empty, bored and worthless if you don't have someone else to take care of, a problem to solve, or a crisis to deal with? Are you often unable to stop talking, thinking and worrying about other people and their problems? Do you lose interest in your own life when you are in love? Do you stay in relationships that don't work and tolerate abuse in order to keep people loving you? Do you leave bad relationships only to form new ones that don't work, either? ************************************
__________________
Roo
"The soul would have no rainbow had the eyes no tears."
Thank you. The lists remind me why I went to Alanon to learn how to detach with love. That is one of the many reasons why I am a lifer there, one meeting at a time.
There is an MIP CODA board that is pretty new. We are doing a book study on Codependent No More by Melody Beattie and a Step Study using the Guide she wrote as well.