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Codependence will often be a factor in many of the problems one may face in life. This is due to the way codependency influences elements of thinking, and thereby, shapes a person's choices and behavior. 
By realizing and correcting the "irrational" thoughts and beliefs, recovery from codependence is possible. It will release you to have satisfying relationships, discover a true sense of balance, and regain a sense of control for your life. Initially, the recognition of codependency came from the alcoholic recovery movement. It was observed that the individuals (i.e., spouse, significant others, etc.) who were emotionally involved with an alcoholic appeared to be as dependent on "rescuing", and "helping" their partner, as their partner was dependent on their drinking behavior. It became understood that these individuals were Co - "Dependent" (cooperatively dependent) with the alcoholic. As these individuals worked to break free from their irrational and impossible attempts to change another person's behavior, it became evident that the motive for their efforts was: The co-dependent needed to be needed. Just as elements in the counseling model of "dysfunctional families" came from an understanding of the alcoholic family, so too did the concept of codependency, as well as the model of counseling for codependence. Unfortunately though, so many women and men operate from the same basic principle: They will be "good enough" only if they help others. The purpose here is to help you learn how not to function in this manner. The goal is for you to have healthy boundaries, take care of yourself, and to be free of your NEED to please others (at the loss of yourself).
You're moving about on  Notice the triangle is inverted, and the arrows go both directions. The outcome is always negative, and the position a person assumes will change many times as the game is played out.  Yes, codependency is a game, or if you prefer a dance. It is a lonely dance and a confusing game. It is not intentional, and it is played out nonetheless. Sadly, the underlying purpose is to evade the vulnerability of sincere intimacy: You learned the rules of the game as a child. It becomes such a part of your thinking, that without your conscious awareness, you will find people who need to be "helped". You end up believing you are treated unjustly. Codependence is a dysfunctional relationship with yourself. You have learned to define yourself by what other people think about you. Your validation is dependent on someone else's level of contentment. (Consider what you think of yourself when others are unhappy.) This becomes more and more self defeating as you start to assume and believe you know: 1) What others want or need. and, 2) What others think about you. Let's look a bit deeper at this "people pleasing" pattern of thinking and behavior. It robs you of the best thing you've got: YOU. There's more information found on codependency explained Page 2.
References: 1 Karpman, S. (1968). Fairy tales and script drama analysis. Transactional Analysis Bulletin, 7(26), 39-43. 2 Healing the Shame That Binds You; Bradshaw, John; Deerfield Beach, Fla. : Health Communications, Inc., 1988.
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