Authors:

It's hard to give up the self-esteem connected to being codependent and appearing 'right,' which is probably a survival behavior learned from growing up in a crazy family. It feels like you will actually disappear.

"Treating Codependence: Q&A With Author Melody Beattie". Interview with Martha Rosenberg, www.huffingtonpost.com. April 14, 2011.
It's hard to give up the self-esteem connected to being codependent and appearing 'right,' which is probably a survival behavior learned from growing up in a crazy family. It feels like you will actually disappear.