A healthy partnership sits at the top of the horseshoe, where both partners support each other while maintaining their own identities. This balance allows for connection without sacrificing independence and is referred to as interdependency.

At one end of the horseshoe is codependency, where one partner relies too heavily on the other for emotional or psychological needs, often at the expense of personal boundaries and self-worth. This imbalance can create an unhealthy cycle of dependence and resentment.

At the other end is isodependency, which can be just as damaging. Isodependency isn’t about being alone—it’s possible to feel isolated even in a relationship. A lack of emotional connection or support can leave someone feeling unseen and unfulfilled, despite having a partner.

True relationship health lies in the balance between these extremes. Interdependence allows both partners to be whole individuals, choosing each other not out of need, but out of mutual fulfillment and respect.

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