The first step to get out of a co-dependent relationship is to recognise you are in one. Anindita Ghosh talks to experts who help you navigate your way
For Saheli Sen*, a 29-year-old Kolkata-based research scholar, dealing with her husband’s substance abuse had become a matter of routine. What started off as ‘social’ indulgence in marijuana, eventually graduated to hard drugs. What she thought was a one-off occurrence, soon developed into an addiction. “When it started affecting his career—he got thrown out of the newspaper he was working at—I convinced him to check into rehab,” she says. It helped him clean up for a bit, but before long, he had lapsed. Since then, it has become a vicious pattern, and each time Sen takes on the role of the primary caretaker, while her husband yo-yos between a new high-risk episode and an attempt to get sober. Sen’s situation, however, is not a unique one. Surprisingly, it is one in which many women find themselves— trapped in unequal relationships, where they are left to shoulder the burden of not only the relationship, but also a dependent, and often irresponsible, partner.
It is interesting and ironic that in many such cases, where a partner has a chronic issue, such as an addiction, a mental health problem, a disability, or is plain irresponsible, the other partner, who is compelled to take on the role of the carer, feeds off the neediness of her partner. Over a period of time, she begins to rely on her partner for approval as well as her sense of identity. She takes on the responsibility of the partner at the expense of her own well-being. It’s a complicated situation to be in. A few experts advise on how to get through it.
WHERE DOES IT STEM FROM?
Esta historia es de la edición August 24, 2019 de Femina.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición August 24, 2019 de Femina.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
THE GOODNESS OF GHEE
What: The Pure Cow Ghee range for babies with sensitive skin from Himalaya Babycare
Hello Hyderabad!
The Kaftan Company makes its debut in Hyderabad with a physical store
A COSMIC CULINARY JOURNEY
Located in the vibrant heart of Kolkata, That Place Bowl & Bar aims to be something out of the ordinary
BIG ON THE SCREEN
Writer-director INDIRA DHAR is no newcomer to international film festivals, but a standing ovation at Cannes for her latest film was an unforgettable experience. She talks to Shraddha Kamdar about the inspiration, her love for films and more
COMMAND RESPECT EFFORTLESSLY
Try these strategies if you hate not being taken seriously.
FIND CALM IN CHAOS
Deal with difficult situations using the principles of stoicism.
GREENER IN THE CUP
Samiksha Bhowmik details why a cup of matcha needs to be part of your diet
THE BEST OF TWO VIBRANT WORLDS
LYLA, in Mumbai's BKC, seamlessly blends Central American vibrancy with Californian flair
A Melange Of the Middle East & Indian Spices
Bringing contemporary twists to tradition, MERCHANT & ME is a youthful urban space for cuisine and cocktails in Pune
10 REASONS WHY SEYCHELLES COULD BE YOUR DREAM DESTINATION
Seychelles hits all the high notes on the romance roster whether you're on honeymoon or a love break.