In any close relationship, relying on your partner for emotional support and practical help is normal. However, there is a difference between healthy dependence and codependency. An unhealthy level of clinginess, neediness, and control characterizes codependent relationships. One partner may feel like they can’t function without the other, and they may go to extreme lengths to keep the relationship going. In contrast, healthy dependencies are based on mutual respect and a genuine desire to help one another. Both partners feel like they can grow and thrive independently, even as they rely on each other for support. As a result, codependent relationships are often rife with conflict, while healthy dependencies are characterized by trust and cooperation.