4 Signs You're in a Parasitic Relationship

D. Ivan Young, NBC-HWC, YourTango.com, 8/23/22; Eds., Wisdom Quarterly

4 Telltale Signs You're in a Parasitic Relationship

Signs of codependence (YourTango)

If you're to live a fulfilled, happy and meaningful life, you must make your happiness a priority. Many have been led to believe that putting yourself first is selfish — but that's simply not true.

There comes a time in everyone's life that one must put self first. If you don't, you could easily find yourself needlessly suffering.

The only thing worse than a dysfunctional, co-dependent relationship is a parasitic relationship that you willfully aid and abet. The same person(s) that once brought you so much joy can quickly become the source of your pain if you lose sight of your own needs and values.

Beware the parasitic relationship 

I'll keep you so long as I can use you. Me, too!

A parasite typically latches on to a host and exploits the host (you) for resources it deems necessary for survival.

When you're in a parasitic relationship, the person you're dating, living with, or even married to is much like a parasite. They're either depleting you mentally, emotionally, financially, physically, or a combination thereof.

Are there female narcissists who cheat on, lie to, and gaslight partners?

Moreover, they could care less how much you sacrifice or what the cost is to you as long as you give them what they want, when, where, and how they want it. If you're left emaciated, heartbroken, stressed out or depressed is irrelevant to the parasite; all that matters to them is they get what they want. More

• 10 Signs You're in a Codependent Relationship | YourTango