When mother says “I live only for you,” invisible weight settles on my shoulders. Her happiness becomes my responsibility. Every decision determines her mood.

This emotional burden crushes. Becoming another’s life meaning requires sacrificing autonomy. What they expect matters more than what I want.

Codependent relationships breed this pattern. Partners, parents, children can make us emotional caretakers. Their moods measure our success-failure.

Most toxic aspect: guilt manipulation. “I did so much for you” creates emotional prison. We feel trapped by others’ expectations.

But harsh truth: we’re not responsible for anyone’s happiness. Everyone remains accountable for emotional wellbeing. Love isn’t emotional slavery.

Perhaps setting healthy boundaries shows true compassion—for our growth and theirs.