Many of us find that we have several characteristics in common as a result of being brought up in a dysfunctional household. To protect ourselves, we became people pleasers, even though we lost our identities in the process.
Personal criticism is perceived as a threat.
We either become addicts ourselves or marry them or both. Failing that we find another compulsive personality such as a workaholic to fulfill our sick need for abandonment. We live life from the standpoint of victims. We have an overdeveloped sense of responsibility and prefer to be concerned with others rather than ourselves. We somehow get guilt feelings if we stand up for ourselves rather than giving in to others.