This video defines and discusses the effects of enmeshment on men and women. Enmeshed relationships between child (and adult child) and their parent imposes obligatory guilt and loyalty to the parent’s needs and wishes. They become over involved and merged (enmeshed) with their parents problems and concerns often at a cost to their independence and freedom to lead a life of their own choosing.
Escaping into porn or sex addiction can offer a sense of freedom initially to these men and women but ultimately only adds to feelings of guilt and shame that further prevents leading effective lives, particuallry in romantic relationships. Romantic partners often report feeling “second fiddle” to the intrusive and needy parent and become accused of “not understanding” or being “too controlling” when speaking up about the burden the intrusive parent places on the marriage.
Often, the “close” parent-child relationship is seen as good thing, but in reality, their are many problems associated with them that should be explored by counselors and the burdened man or woman themselves. Please watch the video to learn more.