It is an emotional and behavioural condition that affects an individual’s ability to have a healthy, mutually satisfying relationship. It is also known as “relationship addiction” because people with codependency often form or maintain relationships that are one-sided, emotionally destructive and/or abusive. People in codependent relationships tend to have a problem where one person doesn’t recognize boundaries and the other person doesn’t insist on boundaries. Thus one person is controlling and manipulative, and the other person is compliant and fails to assert his or her own will. A stronger personality keeps attracting a weaker person. The attraction among these two is the relationship level. This is more or less like a trap.  

 Few symptoms of being a part of Codependency (in the first person)

1. Being responsible for other’s feelings and reactions.
2. At the cost of my loss I would like to fix the other person’s problem as Jesus would.
3. I could sense their needs and be sensitive to that  person but I am very insensitive to my feelings.
4. What the other person could not  do for themselves, I begin to do it  myself.
5. When the other person doesn’t need me, I am angry.
6. I become judgmental towards myself and others too.
7. I limit and reject my primary needs and feelings.
8. I am guilty of doing something for myself so I try not to do anything for myself.
9. I find respect for myself from others respect for me. I try to approve others opinions more than my convictions. 
10. As the needy come to me, I am also attracted to them.
11. Poor boundaries with others in relation to Low self-esteem, caretaking and obsessions. A certain need for control. 
12. Difficulty in making decisions.
13. Trouble identifying or communicating thoughts, feelings or needs. Chronic anger or strong emotional reactions.

Some examples we can see in the Scriptures are – 

• Samson and Delilah: Samson’s love for Delilah led him to reveal the secret of his strength, which eventually led to his downfall. This is an example of codependency in which one partner prioritizes their love for the other over their own safety and well-being.
• Martha and Mary: Martha’s need to please and serve others led her to become anxious and resentful when Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen to him instead of helping her with household chores. This is an example of codependency in which one partner prioritizes the needs and expectations of others over their own needs and desires, leading to feelings of resentment and stress