Dependencies

2024/03/16 12:00 AM Filed in: Communication

Dependencies
In this post, we will list different types of dependencies and focus efforts on interdependency, which is the best form on average. There is no one right or wrong, and each dependency can serve a purpose in helping us progress as people. There are, however, some negative aspects of some of the dependencies, especially when a person becomes selfish stagnant and uses them to fulfill carnal desires and, drains the energy of others, and is not a contributor to society and their loved ones when they are capable.

Most Dependent:
Codependence: An excessive emotional, psychological, and behavioral reliance on a partner or family member, often involving control, denial of personal boundaries, and loss of identity.

Breakdown of the Two Parties in Codependence:
In a codependent relationship, both parties are affected, but they may exhibit different behaviors. While both individuals may exhibit codependent traits, the term "codependent" is typically applied more strongly to the person who is excessively reliant on others for their emotional well-being. The enablers may also display codependent tendencies, but their role is more about enabling and supporting the codependent individuals rather than being solely dependent on them.

The Codependent: Codependency is a complex and often misunderstood term. It refers to a dysfunctional relationship pattern where the codependent is excessively reliant on another person (the enabler) for their sense of self-worth, identity, and emotional well-being. The codependent person may struggle with low self-esteem, difficulty setting boundaries, and an excessive focus on the needs of others to the detriment of their own well-being.

The Enabler: The enabler typically provides support, care, and validation to the codependent individual, often at the expense of their own needs and boundaries. The enabler may enable the codependent's behavior by rescuing them from consequences, prioritizing their needs over their own, and enabling unhealthy patterns.

Moderately Dependent:
Dependency: Relying on others for specific needs (financial, emotional, decision-making, etc.) in an unhealthy or disproportionate manner that limits personal growth and autonomy. This could include children who still depend on their parents for financial support or housing after they are old enough to live independently.

Neutral:
Interdependence: A mutually beneficial reliance between two or more people/entities, where individual needs are met through the relationship while maintaining personal boundaries and autonomy.
The Positive Impacts of Interdependence
In Couples

Emotional Support: Interdependence fosters emotional intimacy and support between partners. They rely on each other for comfort, understanding, and validation during joy, stress, or sorrow.
Shared Goals: Interdependent couples often share common goals and aspirations, whether they're related to career, family, or personal growth. They work together to achieve these goals, supporting each other.
Increased Intimacy: Interdependence promotes deeper emotional and physical intimacy between partners. They share their thoughts, feelings, and vulnerabilities openly, creating a strong bond of trust and connection.
Mutual Growth: Interdependent relationships encourage personal growth and development. Partners inspire and challenge each other to become the best versions of themselves, pushing each other out of their comfort zones and supporting their endeavors.
Effective Communication: Interdependent couples tend to have strong communication skills. They openly discuss their needs, desires, and concerns, resolve conflicts constructively, and maintain a sense of closeness and understanding.

In Communities

Strength in Collaboration: Working together allows us to achieve far more than possible individually. Imagine colossal projects like space exploration or building massive infrastructure that would be nearly impossible without collaboration.
Shared Knowledge and Resources: Interdependence allows for a richer exchange of ideas and access to a broader range of resources. Countries can trade specialties, and individuals can learn from diverse perspectives, fostering innovation and progress.
Building Stronger Communities: Relying on each other fosters a sense of community and strengthens relationships. Think about local businesses supporting each other or communities working together during emergencies. This cooperation creates a more resilient and supportive environment.

The Potential Downsides of Interdependence
In Couples

Codependency: Interdependence can sometimes veer into codependency, where one or both partners become overly reliant on each other for validation, identity, or self-worth. This can lead to an unhealthy dynamic where boundaries are blurred and individual needs are neglected.
Loss of Individuality: Excessive interdependence may result in partners losing sight of their individual identities and interests. They may prioritize the needs of the relationship over their own personal growth and fulfillment, leading to resentment or stagnation.
Conflict Avoidance: In some interdependent relationships, partners may avoid conflict or confrontation to maintain harmony. While conflict avoidance may temporarily preserve the peace, it can also lead to unresolved issues simmering beneath the surface, eroding trust and intimacy over time.
Dependency: Interdependence can create a sense of dependency between partners, where one relies heavily on the other for practical or emotional support. This dependency may become problematic if it leads to imbalance or resentment within the relationship.
Boundaries: Maintaining healthy boundaries is crucial in interdependent relationships. Without clear boundaries, partners may inadvertently infringe on each other's autonomy or privacy, leading to feelings of suffocation or resentment.

In Communities

Vulnerability to Cascading Problems: When heavily reliant on others, disruptions in one area can have domino effects. A natural disaster affecting a key supplier or a cyberattack on critical infrastructure can have widespread consequences.
Loss of Autonomy: Excessive dependence can limit our control over our own well-being. Decisions made by distant entities, like trade policies or environmental regulations, can significantly impact local communities.
Unequal Distribution of Benefits: Interdependence doesn't always guarantee fairness. Powerful countries or companies can exploit weaker ones in trade deals, leading to uneven distribution of resources and benefits.

Least Dependent:

Independence: The ability to function autonomously and be self-directed in meeting one's needs while still allowing for healthy interdependence in relationships.

Autonomy: Making decisions and acting according to one's authentic values and motivations, free from excessive external influence.

Not Dependent:
Self-Sufficiency: Having the means to meet one's needs entirely through one's skills, resources, and efforts without external support.

Isolation: A complete lack of interaction, connection, or reliance on others, leading to a detached existence.