If you’ve lost yourself in a relationship, it may be time to untangle your identities and establish clearer boundaries.

Enmeshment happens between family members where there's no defined boundaries. Therapists identify examples, causes, and how to overcome enmeshed relationships.

This is known as enmeshment, which is a dysfunctional pattern that can show up in any relationship, but especially within a family system.

In my practice, enmeshment shows up in a variety of relationships. There’s the 40-year old man who is afraid to move to another city because his father, who lives next door, might disown him.

1. They feel guilty saying no to their family. It's one thing to be close to your parents, and it's another thing entirely to be in an enmeshed relationship.

Enmeshment happens between family members where there's no defined boundaries. Therapists identify examples, causes, and how to overcome enmeshed relationships.

With enmeshed relationships, parents rely on their children for emotional support. They also foster an environment where their children excessively depend on them.

Enmeshment vs. Codependency: Enmeshment and codependency are similar, but “codependency is kind of a descriptor for enmeshment in a relationship,” Parks says.

In my practice, enmeshment shows up in a variety of relationships. There’s the 40-year old man who is afraid to move to another city because his father, who lives next door, might disown him.