These articles are not written by licensed relationship counselors but are intended to offer insight and help you better understand common relationship dynamics.

In today’s world, it’s easy to feel like relationships are more complicated than ever. One common pattern many people in our generation face is co-dependency — a cycle where emotional reliance on a partner becomes unhealthy, leaving both people stuck and unfulfilled.

What does co-dependency look like?

It’s when people cling to relationships out of fear of being alone or feeling incomplete, rather than because they truly appreciate the person they’re with. This often means overlooking red flags, sacrificing personal boundaries, and losing sight of what makes a relationship genuinely valuable.

Why do we fall into this?

A lot of it comes down to unresolved trauma and past wounds. When we carry pain or insecurity inside, we sometimes seek “options” — connections that feel safer or more accessible — but don’t necessarily bring real joy or growth. Instead of building a strong bond with someone who truly complements our life and values, we settle for surface-level connections or distractions.

The fun aspect that’s missing

Part of what makes a healthy relationship thrive is the ability to enjoy each other’s company and create moments of fun, laughter, and growth together. But when co-dependency takes hold, this joy can fade. People may get caught up in drama, jealousy, or feeling trapped instead of embracing the positive energy that a truly supportive partner brings.

Social media’s role in complicating things

With social media, the temptation to cheat emotionally or physically — through messaging, flirting, or seeking validation — is higher than ever. The constant availability of “options” can make it harder to commit fully, especially when our emotional needs are unmet or we don’t truly see the value of our current partner.

What can help?

The first step is recognizing co-dependency and understanding your own patterns. Healing past wounds, building self-worth, and learning to value what truly enriches your life can shift how you approach relationships. It’s about choosing depth over distraction, and partnership over loneliness.