The symptoms of codependency and codependent behavior often revolve around an excessive and compulsive need to care for other people at the expense of oneself. When a codependent person recognizes that another person is feeling sad or upset, for example, he will feel those same emotions instead of simple empathy and will immediately try to solve the problem. The main symptoms of codependency involve sacrificing one's own happiness and well-being, and seeing oneself as a completely selfless person, all in the perceived service of another.
The excessive need to please others is another of the most common symptoms of codependency. Although codependent behavior is most often associated with romantic relationships, it can occur in any type of relationship, such as friendships, family relationships, or workplace interactions. A person who is codependent will not want to express a different opinion due to the need to please other people and fear of rejection. If two people decide on something fun to do, for example, the codependent person will generally go along with whatever the other person wants to do, refusing to express dislike for them even if they are not interested in the activity.
The need to control others may be one of the symptoms of codependency, which may seem strange compared to the symptoms above. However, the person who is codependent will often give advice without being asked, or try to tell others how they "should" behave or feel. If the other person doesn't take the advice, the person who is codependent will often feel angry and rejected; it is important for a codependent person to feel needed in every relationship they find themselves in. Also, giving gifts or doing things for other people is often another symptom of codependency; people will expect to be recognized and appreciated for their efforts.
Codependency symptoms can also involve staying in harmful relationships, such as with an abusive person. Codependency is characterized by negatively impacting one's life, but many people who behave codependently do not recognize the behavior in themselves. They may not be able to make decisions or recognize how they feel in a situation. These are just a few of the many possible symptoms of codependency; Anyone who is concerned about this behavior in and of itself can find help by visiting a psychologist or attending a support group.