The Terri Cole Show 800 You Don't Look Stuck, But Are You? 9 Signs of High-Functioning Codependency
Jan 27, 2026
Nine questions help you spot high-functioning codependency. Topics include prioritizing a partner's needs, hinting instead of asking, and doing tasks others should do. They explore merging identities, emotional labor and resentment, fear of rejection and conflict, and relying on external validation.
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Prioritize Actions Over Intentions
- Do examine whether you behave as if your partner's needs are more important than yours by looking at your actions not just your thoughts.
- Stop confusing compliance with compatibility and notice when you manage situations to avoid conflict.
Road Trip Compromise Revealed Compliance
- Terri Cole recounts a road-trip example where a partner only listened to his music and she complied to avoid conflict.
- Her behavior illustrated prioritizing the partner's desires despite not consciously admitting it.
Ask Directly For What You Need
- Try practicing direct requests instead of hinting, implying, or using sarcasm when you need something.
- Build the skill of asking clearly so you stop taking long routes to get your needs met.