Which statement illustrates the characteristic of 'obsession' in the codependent individual?

Which statement illustrates the characteristic of 'obsession' in the codependent individual?

• A. I always give to others. Nobody gives to me.
• B. I cannot stop worrying about my daughter's poor performance in school.
• C. I pretend that I do not have any problems.
• D. I just can't allow things to happen naturally. I fear loss of control.

Answer: (B)

Obsession in codependency is a persistent, intrusive preoccupation with someone else’s problems or outcomes, to the point that it dominates thoughts and fuels anxiety. The statement about not being able to stop worrying about the daughter's poor performance exemplifies that pattern: it shows a continuous, unwanted focus on another person’s performance and a sense of responsibility or fixation over it. This reflects the codependent tendency to fixate on others’ issues as a way to feel needed or in control. The other scenarios illustrate different dynamics: giving to others while feeling unrepaid points to people-pleasing and self-worth tied to caretaking; pretending problems don’t exist reveals denial or avoidance; fearing loss of control and needing to control reflects a general need to manage outcomes rather than an ongoing preoccupation with someone else’s situation.

Obsession in codependency is a persistent, intrusive preoccupation with someone else’s problems or outcomes, to the point that it dominates thoughts and fuels anxiety. The statement about not being able to stop worrying about the daughter's poor performance exemplifies that pattern: it shows a continuous, unwanted focus on another person’s performance and a sense of responsibility or fixation over it. This reflects the codependent tendency to fixate on others’ issues as a way to feel needed or in control.

The other scenarios illustrate different dynamics: giving to others while feeling unrepaid points to people-pleasing and self-worth tied to caretaking; pretending problems don’t exist reveals denial or avoidance; fearing loss of control and needing to control reflects a general need to manage outcomes rather than an ongoing preoccupation with someone else’s situation.