Mental Health & Relationships: What Are Interdependent Relationships?

By Darlene Lancer, JD, LMFT

I have struggled with Codependent behavior due to the addiction issues that have effected various family members.   I have spoken about interdependent behavior as people before reading this article.  – Greg

What an Interdependent Relationship Looks Like

I have struggled with Codependent behavior due to the addiction issues that have effected various family members.   I have spoken about interdependent behavior as people before reading this article.  

To feel free in an interdependent relationship is the goal of recovery. It requires autonomy, self-esteem, and boundaries. Being able to envision what a healthy relationship looks like can help us modify our behavior to overcome codependency.

It’s paradoxical that autonomy supports a healthy relationship and we can feel even freer while in one. In fact, a balance of autonomy and intimacy makes the relationship more stable.

One of the differences between codependent and interdependent relationships is that codependent relationships are usually enmeshed. The boundaries between partners are blurred. Dependency is a core symptom that both causes and reflects these dysfunctional boundaries. read more