You Look Like Codependency to Me

At the start, codependency just looked like me helping you out a bit with your kid. I’d babysit and it was fun for me too.

It looked like two mums getting along. Building a friendship.

Codependency looked at first like I’d found a soulmate. Someone who really got me, you know? Like you did. When I was talking with you it felt like no-one else mattered. Like I was the only person you wanted to talk to. Who listens like that now?

Everyone’s on their phones. Everyone’s distracted.

But you had all the time in the world.

You saw me.

Codependency looked a bit like me helping you out with your housework. I didn’t mind. I knew how much it stressed you out. Doing your housework kept you calm and that meant everyone was happier. Anyway, you were sick and it’s busy with kids. I get it.

You did get sick a lot.

Codependency looked like me doing your housework and buying you dinner a few times a week. I’m not rich, I’m a single mum too, but my cupboards aren’t empty like yours.

It’s not easy when you’re too sick to work. And the kids complain cause they’re hungry. Who wants that? I really didn’t mind buying dinner. And lunch. And kid’s clothes. And a ticket to the movies so we could go out and have…