When you’re in a relationship with someone, it’s easy to adopt the attitude that your partner should be involved with everything in your life. That’s really up to you, but it’s not something either of you should assume. Relationships need boundaries. Even the closest couples with healthy relationships typically have boundaries established.

Most people have at least heard of codependency, and some have a basic understanding of what it looks like. However, fewer people are familiar with enmeshment. Understanding the basics of enmeshment and how it’s often linked to codependency can make it easier to determine what you, personally, might be dealing with. It can also help you recognize some signs that your partner might be codependent or dealing with enmeshment.

Most mental health professionals can offer a detailed understanding of what it is, but it’s not always easy to break that down into a singular definition. However, more recently, that’s changed.

On the surface, it seems like shame and guilt can be used interchangeably. They both convey the same general idea about what someone is feeling. But, the two are actually very different.

Almost everyone can agree that communication is a key component to any successful relationship. Sometimes, however, it’s easier than others to communicate effectively.