Sensitive, intense, and gifted people have a tendency to ‘over function’, or become an over-functioning partner in codependency pairing. A lot of the problems of dating as an intense person come from their tendency to take on too much, and drive themselves to the state of burn-out.

Due to their natural speed and competence, they take on a more-than-average amount of responsibilities at work, at home, and even in their own relationship. This can result in them being stuck in a codependency loop of over-functioning-functioning.

Someone who over functions may find it hard to tolerate witnessing other people making mistakes or not performing optimally. They can’t help but offer the ‘better way’, thus finding it hard to not absorb other people’s emotions or let things go.

When it comes to chores, they often feel is easier and better if they just take care of everything rather than delegating. Unfortunately, though well-meaning at first, your efficiency, independence, and reluctance to let go can be the start of a loop of codependency in relationships.

As the over-functioning partner, you also have a tendency to do everything. You have never been able to lean on anyone else – to solve problems, to share feelings, to help you out. Even in a time of crisis, you may keep issues to yourself without sharing them with your partner; as a result, they feel frustrated or left out.

The opposite of love is not hate, it’s indifference. The opposite of art is not ugliness, it’s indifference. The opposite of faith is not heresy, it’s indifference. And the opposite of life is not death, it’s indifference.”? Elie Wiesel

Reflect on the differences between a life partner and a soulmate

A lot of the problems intense people have in dating and in relationships can be resolved or alleviated by narrowing the gaps between their expectations and the reality that they face. Continue reading “8. You Have The Tendency to ‘Overfunction’ in Relationships”