About this episode

The episode features a discussion on creating healthy, balanced relationships with therapist Nedra Glover Tawwab, focusing on the spectrum between codependency and hyper-independence.

In this episode, I’m joined by therapist, bestselling author, and boundaries expert Nedra Glover Tawwab for a powerful conversation on what it really means to have healthy dependency in our relationships. So many of us find ourselves swinging between two extremes — overgiving, people-pleasing, and losing ourselves in others… or shutting down, becoming hyper-independent, and struggling to let anyone in. But what does the middle ground actually look like? Together, we explore the spectrum between codependency and hyper-independence, and how both patterns — while protective — can ultimately leave us feeling disconnected and unfulfilled. This conversation goes beyond romantic relationships. We talk about friendships, family, community, and the importance of having a diverse support system rather than expecting one person to meet all of our needs. We also unpack: Why “healthy dependency” isn’t a weakness, but a fundamental human need How codependency and hyper-independence develop as adaptations The role of boundaries in creating sustainable, respectful relationships Why over-focusing on the why behind someone’s behaviour can keep us stuck How to stop over-functioning in relationships…

People in this episode

Host: Stephanie Rigg

Guest: Nedra Glover Tawwab

Topics covered

• healthy relationships
• boundaries
• codependency
• hyper-independence
• support systems
• dependency

Keywords

• healthy dependency
• relationships
• boundaries
• support system
• codependency
• hyper-independence
• over-functioning
• connection

More episodes of On Attachment

• #251: How I Approach Nervous System Regulation & Wellbeing · April 21, 2026 · 15 min
• #250: Are They Avoidant or Just Not That Into You? (Ask Steph) · April 16, 2026 · 12 min
• #249: The First 30 Days After a Breakup · April 14, 2026 · 19 min
• #248: How to Cope With My Ex Being Happy in a New Relationship (Ask Steph) · April 9, 2026 · 12 min
• #247: Is It Your Anxious Attachment... or the Wrong Relationship? · April 7, 2026 · 15 min
• #246: When Is It a Good Idea to Be Friends with an Ex? (Ask Steph) · April 2, 2026 · 9 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the On Attachment podcast page.