Dependency is a complex psychological aspect that can manifest itself in different ways in people. In psychology, a dependent person is defined as someone who tends to seek constant validation, support and approval from others, often at the cost of their own autonomy and emotional well-being. Next, we will explore 9 characteristic traits and habits of the profile of the dependent person.
Traits of the dependent person
1. Low self-esteem
One of the most prominent traits in dependent people is low self-esteem. These people often feel insecure about themselves and constantly seek external validation to feel valuable or worthy. This lack of self-confidence can lead to an emotional dependence on others to feel complete or happy.
2. Fear of abandonment
Dependent people often experience an intense fear of abandonment. This fear may be irrational or disproportionate, causing a constant need to keep the significant people in their lives close. Fear of rejection or loss can influence your interpersonal relationships and your ability to set healthy boundaries.
3. Difficulty making decisions
The dependent person may frequently find themselves indecisive and have problems making decisions for themselves. This difficulty may be related to the fear of making mistakes or disappointing others. As a result, it is common for them to turn to third parties to make decisions for them, delegating their autonomy in the hands of others.
4. Constant need for approval
The constant search for approval is another distinctive feature in the profile of the dependent person. They seek validation and recognition from others on a recurring basis, since their self-esteem is intrinsically linked to the perception they have of them from the outside. This habit can lead to overadaptation to the expectations of others to the detriment of one's own needs.
5. Poor assertiveness
The dependent person tends to have difficulties expressing their opinions, desires or emotions directly. Lack of assertiveness can lead to a tendency to avoid conflict, always give in to others, and repress one's own needs to please others. This lack of clear and honest communication can negatively affect your interpersonal relationships.
Habits of the dependent person
6. Emotional fusion in relationships
Emotional fusion is a common habit in dependent people, where they tend to merge with the emotions and needs of their loved ones. This fusion can make it difficult to differentiate between one's own self and that of others, generating a feeling of loss of identity. As a result, they may experience anxiety or distress when they feel separated or distant from their close relationships.
7. Tendency to sacrifice oneself for others
The dependent person tends to prioritize the needs and desires of others above their own, even going so far as to sacrifice their personal well-being in order to maintain harmony in relationships. This habit of self-sacrifice can generate long-term feelings of resentment or frustration, by neglecting your own needs in favor of others.
8. Difficulty establishing limits
The dependent person usually has difficulties establishing and enforcing healthy limits in their interpersonal relationships. They may allow others to invade their personal, emotional, or physical space, without being able to defend themselves or communicate their boundaries clearly. This lack of limits can lead to unequal relationships, where the dependent person constantly feels overwhelmed or exploited.
9. Insecurity in decision making
Insecurity in decision making is a habit ingrained in the dependent person, who may feel overwhelmed by the idea of being responsible for their own choices. This insecurity can lead them to seek external approval before acting, seeking validation from others instead of trusting their own judgment. As a result, they may feel paralyzed by the possibility of making mistakes or disappointing others.
In summary, the profile of the dependent person is characterized by a series of traits and habits that reflect a marked lack of autonomy. emotional and a tendency to look to others for validation and support that they lack internally. Recognizing and understanding these traits can be the first step toward developing greater emotional autonomy and building more balanced and healthy relationships.