Internet
codependent
What does codependent mean?
Excessively reliant on a partner for identity, approval, or stability, often at your own expense.
"We're so codependent we can't make a single plan apart."
Origin
Originated in addiction-recovery psychology in the 1980s, describing partners of alcoholics. It broadened into general relationship discourse and went mainstream on therapy TikTok.
Frequently asked questions
What does codependent mean?
It means over-relying on or over-managing another person to the point of losing your own sense of self.
Where did the term codependent come from?
It started in 1980s addiction recovery to describe partners who enabled an addict, then broadened to all relationships.
What does codependent mean on TikTok?
It's used for relationships that are unhealthily enmeshed, where two people can't function independently.
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