Humans have always shown characteristics associated with what we now call "codependency." Incessant worrying about others has consumed us. We've made efforts to persuade others to view things from our perspective. We've twisted ourselves into knots trying not to offend others, and in the process, we've wound up harming ourselves.

Codependency causes you to prioritize the needs of others above your own, to the point that you neglect, or don't even recognize, your own needs. It is normal to wish for a loved one's success and be there for them in difficult times. Caring about someone else is a good thing, but too much care could hurt you as well as the other person.

Codependency, which is also called "relationship addiction," happens when someone feels like they have to save or rescue someone by meeting all of their emotional and physical needs.