Codependent connections, in contrast to good friendships, are severely unbalanced. One person assumes the role of "giving," while the other assumes the role of "taker." The closeness is a result of a dynamic in which one friend is regularly upset or in crisis, while the other friend listens and rescues. Although both people may want the relationship to work, only one can be the giving partner. The term "codependency" was invented by Dr. Alfred Adler, who was a psychiatrist in Vienna, Austria. He believed that everyone needs to have a sense of purpose in life, but some people go too far in trying to meet these needs through others. They use their friends as an excuse to avoid dealing with their own problems. In addition to being an imbalanced friendship, a codependent connection also tends to be secretive and self-centered. Since one friend is always ready to listen to his or her friends' problems, they don't have time for others. Also, since one person is always looking for a way to rescue him or herself, he or she won't put effort into changing the situation. Finally, a codependent connection lacks trust. One friend feels insecure unless he or she knows what his or her companion is going through, so there is no privacy around issues such as feelings and problems with parents or partners.