Codependency, or "relationship addiction," occurs when someone feels compelled to “save” or constantly attend to another’s needs, often at the expense of their own identity and well-being. This pattern, commonly seen in relationships affected by addiction, involves enabling behaviors like covering up a partner’s issues or shouldering their responsibilities, and can extend beyond romantic relationships to family and friends. Signs of codependency include feeling purposeless outside the relationship, guilt when not meeting a partner’s needs, controlling behaviors, and prioritizing others’ well-being over personal boundaries. Codependency often roots in family dynamics or insecure attachment styles formed in childhood. Recovery involves establishing boundaries, focusing on self-care, and building a secure attachment style by fostering independence and self-worth.