Looking back, this was the first example of what became my raging co-dependency. Being co-dependent means you’re addicted to being in a relationship: you cannot and will not be alone, no matter what. So, even if you are with someone who is damaging you or themselves – an alcoholic, say, or a drug addict, or someone who abuses you – you won’t leave, because however misguided, being with that person (especially such a person) makes you feel needed and loved.
