Codependents & Boundaries: Why Do They Struggle?

If you’ve been taught to disregard your own needs and instead focus on meeting the needs of others ever since your childhood, there is a good chance that you have developed at least some codependent traits. As a codependent, you may struggle to recognize your self-worth without receiving constant affection and love from other people in your life. 

This desperate need for reassurance and love often leads the codependent to sacrifice their own identity and have poor boundaries in their relationships. Luckily, codependency recovery coaching may be of great help in this regard, teaching you how to set healthy boundaries and love yourself without needing others for reassurance. 

In this article, you will learn what triggers, codependency, why you may struggle with setting boundaries and what you can do to combat your codependent traits. Keep on reading.

What Triggers Codependency?

In part, codependents tend to stay in relationship with narcissists or individuals who have a substance use disorder because of their triggers. These triggers can be feelings, emotions, or thoughts coming from internal and external sources. They can be especially intense for codependents, who are highly sensitive to the needs and feelings of others. Triggers can also be seen as wounds that typically come from past hurt and trauma.

Internal Codependency Triggers 

Everybody has their inner critic that tells them that they are not good enough or don’t measure up to the high standards they’ve established for themselves. This inner critic comes from learned dysfunctional beliefs we have about ourselves, often triggering shame if these beliefs are not maintained. 

As a codependent, you can get triggered when you feel like you’re being too selfish, which may push you towards offering help even when it might harm you. Another common codependent trigger is being told that you are “overly sensitive” or dramatic because your parents or caregivers convinced you of that when you were little. 

External Codependency Triggers 

Your triggers can also be signs of impending danger you experienced before being hurt in the past. You have learned to react to these warning signs in order to save yourself from harm. Although it can be helpful to react to such warnings in certain situations, you might have a dysfunctional reaction when you are reminded of a hurtful experience. Codependents generally come from abusive or dysfunctional families, and may overreact to situations that mirror the relationship they had with their parents or caregivers. 

What Does It Mean To Lack Boundaries?

If you have codependent traits, you may have a tendency to seek relationships that require you to look after or fix your partner. This happens because you’ve learned that other’s needs are more important than your own. Your childhood wounds might actually lead you to recreate the stressful and dysfunctional relationships you’ve known since you were little. 

This often leads to difficulties in setting healthy boundaries. You may find it extremely hard to say “no” to your partner or become anxious when they are displeased or angry with you. On the other hand, you may exhibit needy behaviors, constantly seeking attention from your partner, and feeling unhappy when they don’t seem to need your help. 

Signs You Lack Healthy Boundaries 

Here are some additional signs that you may struggle with setting good boundaries in your relationships: 

• You feel responsible for other people’s feelings 
• You can’t stand letting other people down 
• You tend to overshare and are often victim of emotional manipulation
• You feel annoyed when others don’t need your help
• You feel like you don’t get enough recognition for your help 
• Your relationships tend to be dramatic and addictive  

What Happens If You Don’t Set Boundaries?

Not setting good boundaries can cause you to harbor a great deal of frustration and resentment, which can bubble up and rise up to the surface after a while. You may feel like you’re constantly helping and getting nothing in return. Or you might find another partner who needs your help and care in order to maintain a level of control in the relationship. 

Over time, the anger and frustration may build up so much that you might start to lash out against your partner. Compromising your happiness in an attempt to maintain a “perfect” relationship and always be helpful to your partner will drain all of your energy and time, resulting in numerous conflicts in your relationship. .

How To Stop Codependency And Set Boundaries

Find Your Freedom At The Best Codependency Retreats in California

Whether you are struggling with setting better boundaries for yourself or want to learn how to deal with a stonewalling partner, PIVOT is here to help. Our insightful advocates will help you understand and integrate your past experiences and trauma, guiding you towards positive change and healthier relationships. 

Our codependency retreats and workshops are designed to help you gain relational freedom and find balance in your relationships. Additionally, we offer in-depth coaching for individuals struggling with codependency and other relationship issues. Contact a PIVOT Advocate today and find the help you deserve.