Caring for someone can be meaningful and demanding. The term codependency does not explain every caring relationship. Choose one situation where you feel responsible for another adult's choices, feelings, or recovery. Separate what is yours to decide from what requires their choice or additional help.
How to use this page
Choose one responsibility. Identify your part, the other person's part, and a realistic source of support.
Look at the actual arrangement
Describe what you are doing, what was agreed, and what you fear would happen if you stopped. Consider disability, finances, caregiving duties, and cultural values. Interdependence can be chosen; a lack of alternatives also needs recognition.
Adjust one part
Try a specific change, such as offering transport without monitoring every decision. Decide what you can provide and what needs professional or community support. You can care about someone while declining an unsafe or unsustainable role.
Reflection prompts
Use these questions in conversation, on paper, or in the downloaded PDF. You may adapt or skip a prompt.
- What responsibility am I carrying, and how did I take it on?
- Which parts are my choices, another adult's choices, or unmet support needs?
- What limit or shared arrangement would be more workable?
- What support and safety considerations affect my next step?