Dependency

• Inability to become self-sufficient, consistently relying on parents to provide financial support, housing, or caregiving
• A history of many intimate relationships with little, if any, space between the ending of one and the start of the next
• Strong feelings of panic, fear, and helplessness when faced with being alone as a close relationship ends
• Feelings easily hurt by criticism and preoccupied with pleasing others
• Inability to make decisions or initiate actions without excessive reassurances from others
• Frequent preoccupation with fears of being abandoned
• All feelings of self-worth, happiness, and fulfillment derive from relationships
• Involvement in at least two relationships wherein he/she was physically abused but had difficulty leaving
• Avoidance of disagreeing with others for fear of being rejected

• Develop confidence that he/she is capable of meeting his/her own needs and of tolerating being alone
• Achieve a healthy balance between independence and dependence
• Decrease dependence on relationships while beginning to meet his/her own needs, build confidence, and practice assertiveness
• Establish firm individual self-boundaries and improved self-worth
• Break away permanently from any abusive relationships
• Emancipate him/herself from emotional and economic dependence on parents.