Codependent Behaviors
Q: What does it mean to “people-please”?
A: Doing things for others to gain approval or avoid conflict, often at your own expense.
Q: What is a boundary?
A: A limit that defines what you’re responsible for and what you’re not.
Q: Why is it important to recognize your own needs?
A: Because your needs matter—and recognizing them is key to self-care.
Q: What is detachment with love?
A: Letting go of trying to control others while still caring for them.
Q: True or False: Codependency means you’re weak.
A: False – it’s a survival pattern, not a character flaw.
Q: What’s a sign you might be over-functioning in a relationship?
A: You take on responsibilities that aren’t yours or fix others’ problems.
Q: What’s a respectful way to set a boundary with a friend who’s venting too often?
A: “I care about you, but I’m not available to talk about this right now.”
Q: What are you doing when you deny your own feelings to keep peace?
A: Abandoning yourself to prioritize others.
Q: What’s one affirmation for self-worth when overcoming codependency?
A: “My value is not based on what I do for others.”
Q: True or False: Boundaries hurt relationships.
A: False – they actually help relationships thrive.
Q: Name a codependent behavior involving boundaries.
A: Difficulty saying “no” or setting limits, even when overwhelmed.
Q: Why are consequences important when setting boundaries?
A: They help uphold your boundary and show you're serious about your limits.
Q: Name 3 basic emotional needs.
A: To feel safe, heard, and valued.
Q: Name a daily practice that supports codependency recovery.
A: Affirmations, setting daily intentions or practicing boundaries.
Q: True or False: It’s selfish to put yourself first.
A: False – self-care is necessary, not selfish.
Q: What emotion often drives codependent behavior?
A: Fear—especially of rejection, abandonment, or conflict.
Q: What’s the difference between a wall and a boundary?
A: A wall shuts people out; a boundary protects your well-being while staying open.
Q: What’s one reason codependent people may not recognize their feelings?
A: They’re often focused on others’ feelings instead.
Q: What’s one benefit of attending a support group like CoDA?
A: Connection with others who understand and support your growth.
Q: True or False: Codependency only happens in romantic relationships.
A: False – it can show up in families, friendships, and work too.
Q: Why is caretaking different from caring?
A: Caretaking is compulsive and self-sacrificing; caring is balanced and consensual.
Q: What does it mean to “honor your no” without guilt?
A: To say no and stand by it without feeling responsible for others’ emotions.
Q: What tool can help you identify your feelings?
A: A feelings wheel or journaling exercise.
Q: What is inner child work?
A: A process of nurturing the parts of you that were neglected or wounded in early life.
Q: True or False: You can recover from codependency.
A: True – with awareness, boundaries, and support, healing is possible.