Independence, Codependence and Interdependence
Where are you at with your relationship style?
Independence?
In “Deep End”-ness
Co “Deep End”-ness
Inter “Deep End”-ness
Picture the realm of relationships as a big swimming pool. You are in the deep end of the pool.
If you are in “independent” mode, you are swimming around all by yourself, doing fine, getting out and diving in off the high dive, unaffected by the other swimmers around you. You are an individual and you are not connecting with others at this time, you are focused on yourself and yourself alone. You may take an occasional date with another swimmer, but you prefer to swim alone most of the time.
If you are in “codependent” mode, well, you won’t go in the water alone. Someone must always be with you. A lifeguard must always be around. When you dive in you immediately swim over to another swimmer and begin to cling on to them, they frequently push you away. You may feel like you are drowning and no one is helping you. The more you try to cling to another swimmer, the more you are pushed away and you thrash around and swallow water and end up hanging on to the side of the pool coughing and crying. It’s not much fun in the pool for you, but you keep trying.
Copyright © 2007 Brigid Bishop
This content may not be copied or reproduced in any way without the express written permission of the author. You are welcome to link to or bookmark this page, but please contact the author via Keen Mail if you wish to reproduce this article in whole or in part.
Tough Love In The Garden of Eden
Need help adjusting your style?
Visit Brigid Bishop