We hear the words “true love” and “soulmate” thrown around all the time. However, everyone seems to have a different interpretation of what they mean. And while there’s a common belief that you can only be truly happy if you find the right person to complete you, "codependency" is generally considered unhealthy.

What is codependency exactly? And what's wrong with being dependent on your partner? Or, on friends, family, or other close people in general, for that matter?

The problem with codependence is that in today's society, it often leads to very unhealthy behaviors. It becomes a self-perpetuating habit with obsessive thoughts, compulsive behaviors, need to control the partner, to mold them into what you need, etc. That’s why codependency sometimes is also called relationship addiction or love addiction. However, the truth is that it's not real love at all.

The reality is that we all are interconnected and interdependent. That's how we're designed as human beings. And until we can come to a realization of this fact and start learning to use our interconnectedness in a healthy way in order to benefit others instead of ourselves, these unhealthy manifestations will continue.

How do we learn to use our interconnectedness without manipulating and controlling others? How can we avoid codependency and turn it into healthy interdependence? That's what we'll talk about at this session of the Open Diner.