Codependency Support Group
Codependency is defined as someone who exhibits too much, and often inappropriate, caring for another person's struggles. A codependent person may try to change, or feel shame about their most private thoughts and feelings if they conflict with the other person's struggles. If you are on a journey towards self-love, this support group is for you. Join us and find others...
CoDaChrome
Is messengee even a word?
So to provide some history; I had 2 good friends who when I first was hanging out with both of them, I had some red flags I ignored them like any good co-dependent would do and accepted them regardless. I remember the three of us going on a trip and the two of them butt heads like there was nobody's business, it was a terrible for me because there I sat watching two people I cared about digging at each other, talking behind each other's backs knowing they were both so similar and that is what they didn't like about each other. Eventually the two of them saw past their BS and became friendly towards each other, I think it was for my benefit as I don't believe either of them truly had anything in common other than they were both severely depressed and took medication for it- (one of the many red flags) not knocking people who have issues, as here I sit online pouring out mine.
So I moved in with Culprit A (Messenger) as roommates, we were both finding ourselves financially in a place where we needed to downsize our cost of living. We went in brite eye'd and bushy tailed, felt convicted that we weren't going to have any issues with each other because we had established such a fabulous friendship. I had found that in our roommates situation that we had some issues (particularly she had issues with me) and we had seemed to work them thru, they stuck with me, in particular the scolding tone she took with me. But I was willing to carry on and not invest on deep conversation to sort thru it-I considered it a fleeting moment at the time. I had just started dating this guy around the same time we had moved in, she thought he was the nicest thing and told me initially don't worry he can be here whenever, he is so nice blah blah blah. Well she just told me in a recent conversation that she had been reeling for a long time about him making what she termed Passive Aggressive comments, which I term razzing or teasing her-it was in jest because I know where he was coming from-even today (I don't know the specific comments that she is referring to though to this day still). There was only one time that i had remembered that it seemed he was being rude and offensive, and in that moment I had shot him a look and he immediately apologized. I thought nothing of it and since I hadn't heard complaints from her relating to "all these times", I was carrying on my merry way in life thinking everything was smelling roses. The "last time" the guy had evidentially crossed the line with her she flipped her lid in an extremely odd manner after making us breakfast (which was oddly uncomfortable in and of itself) then she left for the day, called me and was at what I call a Mach 10 emotion and I felt blindsided by it. After we had hung up in a not great place about the situation because she wanted me to scold him and tell her feelings to him, and I said I am not going to get into the middle of this expressing your feelings for you-but to make you comfortable and not making our roommate situation ok I won't have him over when you are home. She wanted what she wanted, not what I offered....hung up on me and then disappeared for 3 weeks. When she came home I basically flipped and said "when are you moving out" because by that point this was my last straw and I felt I couldn't trust her at all. Maybe my choices were poor but at the moment in time I felt totally convicted in my decision.
Now to Culprit B (Messengee). So meanwhile my other friend who had already told me many times how much she didn't really care for Culprit A but was playing nice, had said she would be interested in moving in with me. The good co-dependent girl in me said "sure" that sounds great.....I mean why wouldn't I want to mass destruct another friendship by living with another friend so I could blame another for my poor choices! (Insert cynic). So she was a 'bull in a china shop'. The best example I can give you of her is, she liked to drink coffee every day but could only drink Folgers......I HATE FOLGERS. But i was willing to play along, mind you the only coffee maker in the house was mine, but I played along for awhile. Then I couldn't take it any longer, so I started making my coffee AFTER she made hers....it was f'ing process which was annoying to the point where I eventually just gave up and started making my coffee in a French Press to avoid conflict......then eventually gave her a brand new coffee maker.......and resented her the entire time (good 'ol co-dependent). Anyway it just shows how she moved in and sort of took over things and I was too weary from the previous situation to have a spine about anything and time after time continued to have problems. Things escalated towards the end of our roommate situation because she had become suicidal, was having many depression issues, and was moving into a not optimum situation with her boyfriend so she became very aggressive verbally, crossed a ton of boundaries, and was a yo-yo emotionally to the point where I was walking on eggshells half the time. All the while playing caterer, nurse, counselor, etc. It was my own living hell. When we moved out there was a situation that occurred and I used poor judgement and basically was doing it with good intention but it came out all wrong. (not critical to the story).
Many months prior to Culprit B and I having a falling out, Culprit A and I started becoming friends again and mending fences. It felt good to have her in my life and I was happy to be mending the fences and I was in a really good place as I had been seeking counsel myself and was just all in all having my shit together and being able to communicate more effectively.
So fast forward to my actual issue and today. I was on the phone with Culprit A, I had expressed to her that I had some great breakthru's about my self esteem related to Culprit B and how I was finally feeling good about myself again and not beating myself up so harshly. I said, that I didn't know why but Culprit B had been in my mind a lot and I had chalked it up to me needing to sort thru stuff still about our falling out but I had wondered if she was ok (she had been in and out of the hospital since we moved out, she and her boyfriend broke up a week after we had moved out from each other-yes she is a real peach!) Culprit A then admitted a month ago she had seen Culprit B and her sister out and about in town, and that Culprit B was doing great (somehow everyone is doing great if they are working, but screw emotionally, spiritually, etc. somehow never equates to doing good, in other words she was ok because she had a good job). So somewhere in the conversation Culprit B confided in Culprit A about something personal which was not such great news (or the sister did about her self) I couldn't get much in the way of a straight answer from Culprit A, she seemed to then all of a sudden clam up and not want to talk about it in any way shape or form and said she couldn't get involved.....uhhhhh I think you already did? So now I sit with this pit in my stomach thing wondering what the hell is going on yet no desire to call Culprit B because our falling out was due to a boundary crossing which occurred over 5 times, so I just cannot trust her at all. Plus I don't know if it even warrants a call. I think the thing I am finding the most mystifying was the fact that Culprit B is confiding in her (which to me sounds like it was meant to get to me) and that all of a sudden Culprit A has this undying and unwavering loyalty to this person, when she has confided in me with more people's personal stuff and that has sort of been our main conversation is her telling me everyone's business........so now why all of a sudden the trap door shuts for someone that she knows has f'd me over?? And further......why the hell bring it up?
Anyway, any insight is appreciated....I am at a loss here as to why this has my guts turning and me now questioning both of them heavily and it is activating my "fight or flight" button.....Uggh
So to provide some history; I had 2 good friends who when I first was hanging out with both of them, I had some red flags I ignored them like any good co-dependent would do and accepted them regardless. I remember the three of us going on a trip and the two of them butt heads like there was nobody's business, it was a terrible for me because there I sat watching two people I cared about digging at each other, talking behind each other's backs knowing they were both so similar and that is what they didn't like about each other. Eventually the two of them saw past their BS and became friendly towards each other, I think it was for my benefit as I don't believe either of them truly had anything in common other than they were both severely depressed and took medication for it- (one of the many red flags) not knocking people who have issues, as here I sit online pouring out mine.
So I moved in with Culprit A (Messenger) as roommates, we were both finding ourselves financially in a place where we needed to downsize our cost of living. We went in brite eye'd and bushy tailed, felt convicted that we weren't going to have any issues with each other because we had established such a fabulous friendship. I had found that in our roommates situation that we had some issues (particularly she had issues with me) and we had seemed to work them thru, they stuck with me, in particular the scolding tone she took with me. But I was willing to carry on and not invest on deep conversation to sort thru it-I considered it a fleeting moment at the time. I had just started dating this guy around the same time we had moved in, she thought he was the nicest thing and told me initially don't worry he can be here whenever, he is so nice blah blah blah. Well she just told me in a recent conversation that she had been reeling for a long time about him making what she termed Passive Aggressive comments, which I term razzing or teasing her-it was in jest because I know where he was coming from-even today (I don't know the specific comments that she is referring to though to this day still). There was only one time that i had remembered that it seemed he was being rude and offensive, and in that moment I had shot him a look and he immediately apologized. I thought nothing of it and since I hadn't heard complaints from her relating to "all these times", I was carrying on my merry way in life thinking everything was smelling roses. The "last time" the guy had evidentially crossed the line with her she flipped her lid in an extremely odd manner after making us breakfast (which was oddly uncomfortable in and of itself) then she left for the day, called me and was at what I call a Mach 10 emotion and I felt blindsided by it. After we had hung up in a not great place about the situation because she wanted me to scold him and tell her feelings to him, and I said I am not going to get into the middle of this expressing your feelings for you-but to make you comfortable and not making our roommate situation ok I won't have him over when you are home. She wanted what she wanted, not what I offered....hung up on me and then disappeared for 3 weeks. When she came home I basically flipped and said "when are you moving out" because by that point this was my last straw and I felt I couldn't trust her at all. Maybe my choices were poor but at the moment in time I felt totally convicted in my decision.
Now to Culprit B (Messengee). So meanwhile my other friend who had already told me many times how much she didn't really care for Culprit A but was playing nice, had said she would be interested in moving in with me. The good co-dependent girl in me said "sure" that sounds great.....I mean why wouldn't I want to mass destruct another friendship by living with another friend so I could blame another for my poor choices! (Insert cynic). So she was a 'bull in a china shop'. The best example I can give you of her is, she liked to drink coffee every day but could only drink Folgers......I HATE FOLGERS. But i was willing to play along, mind you the only coffee maker in the house was mine, but I played along for awhile. Then I couldn't take it any longer, so I started making my coffee AFTER she made hers....it was f'ing process which was annoying to the point where I eventually just gave up and started making my coffee in a French Press to avoid conflict......then eventually gave her a brand new coffee maker.......and resented her the entire time (good 'ol co-dependent). Anyway it just shows how she moved in and sort of took over things and I was too weary from the previous situation to have a spine about anything and time after time continued to have problems. Things escalated towards the end of our roommate situation because she had become suicidal, was having many depression issues, and was moving into a not optimum situation with her boyfriend so she became very aggressive verbally, crossed a ton of boundaries, and was a yo-yo emotionally to the point where I was walking on eggshells half the time. All the while playing caterer, nurse, counselor, etc. It was my own living hell. When we moved out there was a situation that occurred and I used poor judgement and basically was doing it with good intention but it came out all wrong. (not critical to the story).
Many months prior to Culprit B and I having a falling out, Culprit A and I started becoming friends again and mending fences. It felt good to have her in my life and I was happy to be mending the fences and I was in a really good place as I had been seeking counsel myself and was just all in all having my shit together and being able to communicate more effectively.
So fast forward to my actual issue and today. I was on the phone with Culprit A, I had expressed to her that I had some great breakthru's about my self esteem related to Culprit B and how I was finally feeling good about myself again and not beating myself up so harshly. I said, that I didn't know why but Culprit B had been in my mind a lot and I had chalked it up to me needing to sort thru stuff still about our falling out but I had wondered if she was ok (she had been in and out of the hospital since we moved out, she and her boyfriend broke up a week after we had moved out from each other-yes she is a real peach!) Culprit A then admitted a month ago she had seen Culprit B and her sister out and about in town, and that Culprit B was doing great (somehow everyone is doing great if they are working, but screw emotionally, spiritually, etc. somehow never equates to doing good, in other words she was ok because she had a good job). So somewhere in the conversation Culprit B confided in Culprit A about something personal which was not such great news (or the sister did about her self) I couldn't get much in the way of a straight answer from Culprit A, she seemed to then all of a sudden clam up and not want to talk about it in any way shape or form and said she couldn't get involved.....uhhhhh I think you already did? So now I sit with this pit in my stomach thing wondering what the hell is going on yet no desire to call Culprit B because our falling out was due to a boundary crossing which occurred over 5 times, so I just cannot trust her at all. Plus I don't know if it even warrants a call. I think the thing I am finding the most mystifying was the fact that Culprit B is confiding in her (which to me sounds like it was meant to get to me) and that all of a sudden Culprit A has this undying and unwavering loyalty to this person, when she has confided in me with more people's personal stuff and that has sort of been our main conversation is her telling me everyone's business........so now why all of a sudden the trap door shuts for someone that she knows has f'd me over?? And further......why the hell bring it up?
Anyway, any insight is appreciated....I am at a loss here as to why this has my guts turning and me now questioning both of them heavily and it is activating my "fight or flight" button.....Uggh
To be honest, all this A/B thing is kind of middle schoolish.
But's it's my situation with my mother and my grandparents, father, etc.
Long story, I think part of you DOES like getting tied up in the middle of it, or you'd be able to say to ONE of them, "Please, let's not discuss the other person while she's not around. I don't want to gossip or contribute to any bad feelings on either end." But I think you're too afraid that would tick them off an alienate them, so you'd rather contribute to toxic behavior than risk them not liking you putting up boundaries.
So, my friend, you created a no-win situation in your head. Hellooooo, adrenaline... be it auto drip, French press or crystals.
Am I getting close???
(BTW- the French press is another one of our commonalities... STOP that!) : D
Well because I am only on speaking terms with one of them (Culprit A), I have only said to her that I didn't want to really hear anything about Culprit B, didn't want to know what was going on in her life, and that I had deleted my Facebook in an effort to disengage with knowing ANYONE'S business but my own-as I am an empath so I get really swirled up in "it", I thought that portion was clear between her and I, which is why it took me by surprise and made me uncomfortable. But after a day of thinking it out, I think I am just hyper sensitive to what people "think of me", since this is where I have chalked up all of my self esteem. So while it blind sided me and felt slightly manipulative, I did realize that part of it is that I am still semi freaked out that not only am I freaked out that Culprit B and I are out of sorts and I am upset with her......but the real thing that freaks me out is when someone is mad at me mutually....I want to fix it, despite it being a boundary issue. Also when I realized I did in fact say "I wonder sometimes how she is doing" that opened the f'ing door DOH!! *slaps forehead* I mean really, I invite the conversation then get all gut wrenched.....what?? But at the same token I am confused by her undying loyalty to someone else is all I am saying....but I build a bridge and get over it, as there are certainly more important things to think about in this life......Exhibit A; my uncle was basically given the "death card" on his cancer.....BOO!
I did the A and B thing to get a clear 'who is who' on the story line so a person wouldn't get confused by the many "she's" it would have taken to tell the story. HAHAHAHA But I do have a juvenile quality to myself I will admit!
Once again, I do think you hit the nail on the head (literally).......as you can see I was up late (after my dog woke me up) and my hamster wheel was turning. It has been soooooooo quiet over here lately in my world from my gossipy BS so it was a little drama I could stir up in my head to get my fix maannnnnn. Shooot you caught me *shrugs, kicks dirt, head down in shame* ;)
I can't wait for school to start, so I am too busy for this crap I want to drum up.......*sigh* onto some mindless TV so I can tune out this brain 'o mine!!
As always, you and your feedback is appreciated!! xxoo
I noticed in your reply that you said you get upset when others are upset with you. As long as you know you didn't do anything wrong, I'd be saying, "Tough noogies" to them...
Thanks for the A/B thing, though. Beats pronoun confusion!
Sorry to hear about your uncle. I hope he's at least not in pain. : (
Drama- yep, we are like moths to the flame. I really DO think I'm an adrenaline junkie. That's why I get sucked in like a fat kid to cake.
Just try not to go a dark and cut them off in a nasty way. I tend to do that... but working on it. I'm like Popeye sometimes. Or the Incredible Hulk. Trying to channel my Wonder Woman spirit animal instead. She was bad@ss, but nice.
I'm also sorry to read about your uncle
I am glad to read about ur good boundaries your working on
Deli...I knew what you meant about my juvenile moment....but I will admit it does bleed into so many areas, not even just personal....I think somewhere along the line I became a Peter Pan personality of sorts......I don't want to grow up (I think I give it away in my writing, no?). Even tho yesterday I did cross a major threshold of adulthood, I went to a financial planner....my god was that huge for me!
As far as my uncle goes, I am not really sure as he lives like a hermit of sorts so he isn't very forthcoming on the info, as well, I wasn't given much of an opportunity to know him very well. My mom is who I am more worried about, she is acting very nonchalant about the entire thing and I think that if/when he passes its gonna be a doosey for her....might crack her spirits of sorts. She is the eldest of the 4- her and 3 brothers.
I got over going the dark/cut-off way awhile back, typically it has been me banging my head up against a wall to continually work it out with really frankly sick (mentally/on medication) people. I had lost a good friend who died when we weren't talking and it really clarified to me how important it is to communicate until resolution, I overkilled it as usual. Now I am finding the balance, I will do my best to communicate and if the other person is unwilling to participate in a productive manner or is becoming abusive, or is unwilling to change abusing my boundaries...then I let go. I just can't keep trying at a deficit to myself anymore....that is where I get lost and hurt myself.
I am definitely working on boundaries in all aspects of my life, and really making a major commitment to not avoid the conflict of saying exactly what is on my mind. I get total pit of my stomach yuckiness when I am about to say it, then I do it and am wincing until I hear the response, and I have been finding most people respond really well. The key is the delivery......and I seem to be delivering a lot better since I rid myself of my anger issues, and am tackling things in a more present manner vs. pulling out a scroll of issues but packing them into the present one.
I certainly wish my adrenaline junky fixes would translate into really daring things or even just working out like a fiend....but nooooooooo HAHAHAH
Thanks both of you for your comments,
......life is chair of bowlies, huh?
PS-Deli I usually say "I am happier then a fat kid eating cake', I mean seriously what are we twins spit at birth or something :)
Who didn't know that they OIL the lanes??? THIS gal.