Who Am I?

The feeling that you are sacrificing your sense of self to be in a relationship with someone (possibly a toxic person) is unfortunately a very common situation.

Behaviors creep into a relationship in small, unnoticed ways, until one day – you don’t recognize yourself. Signs such as emotional dependency, isolation from friends/family, and silent growing conformity to your partner's wishes.

• Self-loss often begins with a desire to please a partner, leading to gradual compromises and subtle shifts in your own behavior and interests. 

• A key factor is enmeshment, where a partner's needs, opinions, and desires become more dominant than your own, eroding your individual sense of self. 

• You may become overly reliant on your partner's presence and approval, hindering your ability to function independently. 

• The relationship may become unbalanced, with you giving more attention, time, and sacrifices to your partner’s needs/wants without receiving much in return. 

Signs of Losing Yourself

• Loss of Identity: 

You no longer feel like your life is your own and have difficulty knowing who you are apart from your partner. 

• Emotional Suppression: 

You consistently suppress your own needs, desires, and opinions to keep the peace or make your partner happy. 

• Isolation: 

You withdraw from your friends, family, and previously enjoyed activities, creating a social void. 

• Loss of Confidence: 

Your self-esteem and self-confidence begin to diminish over time. 

• Hesitation in Decision-Making: 

You find yourself unable to make decisions without first consulting your partner. 

If you are struggling to regain your sense of self, consider seeking support from a therapist or counselor to help navigate these feelings and dynamics. Call Kennedy Counseling @ 719-375-4622.