Psychology Today | 07.10.2026 21:40
Healthy individuals covet their independence. They place minimal burden on their partners because they prefer to do things for themselves. Other individuals prefer to have their partners serve and take care of them. Dependent individuals often place a persistent burden on their partners, who eventually either develop resentment or burn out. This process compromises relationship quality and threatens its survival. If your partner is very needy and you feel resentment or burnout, you can act now to avoid disintegrating the relationship. Appropriate, consistent, and compassionate boundaries will improve relationship quality and increase durability.
