When you suffer from depression, you might find yourself looking to your significant other as a lifeline. They are happy, and by being with them you are happy. However, if they leave, will you still be happy? How do you accept that they need to have their own life as well? If you worry about co-dependency, then you might have a problem. How do you accept that you can be happy without your partner as a constant presence in your life?

The first thing to do is accept that your partner needs to be happy as well. To do that, they need to maintain their own life and that may mean going out without you. That may mean seeing friends without you, or doing things that they enjoy but that you do not. On the flip-side to that however, you should feel comfortable going out without them to see friends or to do things that do not interest your boyfriend or girlfriend. Doing things on your own is a good step and if they dont share the same hobbies then they will not have fun. If they are not having fun, and you are aware of this, how will it affect you?

Finally, deciding to cut the strings, so to speak, can be a big step. It is important to leave your significant other alone, let them have a few hours or days to themselves if they need it. You can use the time apart from them to do things that you cannot do when they are there. Listen to music that you like but he doesnt. Cook a meal you love but she cant stand. Enjoy this time apart and look at ways to make it beneficial for both of you. In the end, your relationship will be much stronger and you will both be happier.