What is passive dependent behavior? How does it affect relationship?
Excellent question indeed. My understanding of the issue is on the following lines. Persons with dependent personality disorder are docile, passive, and non-assertive. They exert a great deal of energy to please others, are self-sacrificing, and constantly attempt to elicit the approval of others. They are reluctant to express disagreement with others, and are often willing to go to abnormal lengths to win the approval of those on whom they rely. They are easily influenced and can be taken advantage of easily. This compliance and reliance upon others leads to a subtle message that someone should assume responsibility for significant areas of the patient\’s life. This is often displayed as helplessness, even for completion of seemingly simple tasks. Patients with dependent personality disorder have a low level of confidence in their own intelligence and abilities. They often have difficulty making decisions and undertaking projects on their own.
