Relationships are a thin web of relationships, where each node has its own role and meaning. But what happens when one of these knots becomes too heavy, pulling the entire web towards itself? In these cases, we are faced with the phenomenon of dependent relationships, where one partner cannot exist without the other, like a lost traveler who is always looking for the northern star. In such relationships, each partner becomes a kind of “code” for the other, the key to emotional stability or, conversely , to chaos. This dependency code creates the illusion of intimacy and love, but in reality it is a dark shadow hiding the true needs and desires of each partner. The first step to resolving this paradox is awareness. Ask yourself: "What am I looking for in this person? How do I feel when he or she is around me?" The answers to these questions will often shed light on the hidden motives and desires that drive you in this relationship. The second step is to reconsider your boundaries. Dependent relationships are often characterized by blurred or absent boundaries. Setting boundaries is not only a sign of respect for yourself, but also a way to give your partner the opportunity to get to know you better. They're like borders on a map: they don't just divide, they also let us know where one country ends and another begins. The third step is rethinking proximity. In dependent relationships, there is often a misconception that true intimacy is only possible through fusion, when two become one. But true intimacy is only possible between two independent individuals who choose to be together, and who simply cannot be apart. And the last but not least important step is dialogue. Relationships are an eternal process of negotiations, agreements and joint decisions. Talk about your feelings, your fears and expectations. This creates a space for emotional safety in which each partner can be themselves without fear of losing the other. As you can see, analyzing dependent relationships is not just dismantling the old structure, it is rebuilding it. This is a difficult but necessary process that begins with internal dialogue and extends to the outer world of relationships. And as with any rebuild, it's important to have a good plan and patience. Remember that building a healthy relationship is a long-term project that requires time, effort and most importantly, self-love.