Codependency vs. True Caring: How to Know the Difference

Welcome back to Healing Our Relationships. I’m Marisa, Healer and Transformation Guide. 

One of the biggest questions I hear from people on the journey of codependency recovery is this:

“How do I know if I’m being loving… or if I’m being codependent?”

Because when you’re healing from codependency, it can feel confusing to tell the difference between true caring and patterns of people-pleasing, self-abandonment, or over-giving.

In this episode, I’m diving deep into how to recognize when your caring is coming from fear, obligation, or anxiety — versus when it’s rooted in genuine love, choice, and self-connection.

I’ll talk about:

• The key differences between codependent behaviors and healthy, interdependent relationships

• Real-life examples of what codependent caring looks like — and how true caring feels different

• A story from my own journey of learning to stay connected to myself while loving others

• Reflection questions to help you explore how these patterns show up in your life

If you’ve ever wondered whether helping someone else is codependent or simply part of healthy love… this episode is for you.

I want you to know: Caring for others isn’t wrong. The question is whether it includes you, too.

Thanks for being here with me. Let’s keep walking this journey — together.