Do you wonder whether you’re a kind, empathetic person or are you codependent?
There is a difference between empathy and codependency. There are codependents who are abusers and not caring, and some people who are caring and aren’t codependent. So what’s the difference?
First, the definition of codependency has nothing to do with kindness, although many codependents are kind and may be selfless and self-sacrificing to an unhealthy degree. Codependency stems from dependence and insecurity, because codependents need other people’s validation and appreciation to feel worthy.
Many codependents easily empathize with others, but not enough with themselves. They may have learned to take care of others if they had to take care of younger siblings or an ill or emotionally immature parent. If they grew up in a troubled environment, they may have been emotionally abandoned and learned to confuse pain and love. Although relationships have disappointments and conflicts, love isn’t supposed to be painful and hurt so much.
Codependents have a habit of ignoring their needs and constantly putting those of others first. By not having personal boundaries, they harm themselves and their relationships. They can confuse love with being needed and become a caretaker to someone who is needy, like an addict or narcissist. In the extreme, they can become enablers.
Caretaking stems from insecurity that breeds shame and fear that creates an agenda. Genuine kindness has no strings attached. It’s an outgrowth of love.
Another big difference is compulsivity. Codependent caretaking is compulsive. They can’t say no to someone who needs them. They feel compelled to help or give advice. They become people-pleasers. Their empathy is combined with a need to be needed, which can lead to control in relationships. They may become resentful when their advice is ignored or their help is refused.
They also feel responsible for other people’s needs and feelings. Thus, they feel guilty if they don’t provide help. Meanwhile, they often ignore their own needs and don’t take responsibility for them. In fact, meeting their own needs can feel selfish, so they don’t ask for them and don’t set boundaries.
Caretaking vs. Caregiving
Parental love is expected to be unconditional and one-sided toward their young children. As they grow, good parenting includes mutual respect for each other’s boundaries. Caregiving is also part of healthy adult relationships. When someone we love is in need, we naturally want to help.
To help you differentiate between caretaking and healthy caregiving, here is a list of the differences:
| Caretaker Sacrifices self to others Can’t say no to requests Self-righteous about own opinions Helping is compulsive Depends on others for self-esteem Feels responsible for others Crosses boundaries with unsolicited advice Is judgmental Knows what’s best for others Gives with strings attached or expectations Feels exhausted, irritated, frustrated, anxious Feels unappreciated or resentful Discourages others from thinking for themselves Uses nonassertive, pushy, judging, “you” statements Tries to control the recipient |
Caregiver Practices self-care Maintains healthy boundaries Respects others’ opinions Helping is volitional Is autonomous in relationships Feels responsible for self and to others Waits to be asked for advice Feels love and empathy Knows what’s best for self Gives freely without expectations Feels energized Doesn’t take others’ actions personally Encourages others to solve their own problems Uses assertive “I” statements Supports recipient |
Are You Codependent?: A Caretaking Quiz
Here are some questions to ask yourself:
- Do you give unwanted advice?
- Do you judge your partner?
- Do you believe that you know what’s best?
- Do you repeatedly do things for your partner that he or she is capable of doing?
- Does your partner meet your needs?
- Is your giving reciprocated?
- Do you practice self-care?
- Do you feel responsible for your partner’s negative feelings?
- Do you feel guilty saying “no” to your partner?
- Do your partner’s problems preoccupy your thoughts?
- Can you listen without giving advice?
- Do you get upset if your advice isn’t followed?
- Do you give with strings attached?
- Is it uncomfortable to listen to another’s problem and not offer solutions – even when asked?
Letting Go
Watching those you love struggle can be very difficult, and it can take all of your strength not to jump in and help, especially when others expect you to behave in the old way. They’ll likely try to reel you in to give advice and other help. Because caretaking can be a compulsion, you may need outside support to maintain your personal boundaries and not be overwhelmed with guilt.
Detaching doesn’t mean being emotionally cold, but taking a hands-off, ego-off approach. This is truly loving someone. Your guilt will lessen in time, and with it resentment, making for a better relationship. Read more about detaching and letting go and take a quiz to determine if you’re over-involved. Practice these techniques to help you learn how to let go. Join my mailing list to get “14 Tips for Letting Go.” There’s also more on detachment and enabling in Codependency for Dummies.
© Darlene Lancer 2023
Thank you for posting this! This has helped me put words to the abuse and trauma I went through as a child and currently letting go of with my parents and family!