Entry tags:
Caregiver
January 2023 I did a deep dive into Savior Complex (White-Knight Syndrome) and discovered I adhere to exactly zero of that pathology (it's way too much work for the level of effort I'm willing to put into something like that). Nonetheless it keeps coming up as a possible trigger for my emotional connection to others - or at least something much less severe in its orbit. This has been mentioned by my lovers, my therapist, and most recently, my daughter. Subsequently, I took a look at adjacent pathology.
"Caretaker" is too close to Savior Complex with a lot of the same pre-requisites I don't meet. Caregiver however seems to be more closely aligned:
- Positive aspects of caregiving in relationships:
- Strengthens bonds: Providing support during challenging times can deepen intimacy and create a sense of shared experience.
- Fosters empathy and compassion: Caregiving can cultivate understanding and patience within the relationship.
- Offers a sense of purpose: Caring for a partner can provide a sense of fulfillment and meaning.
- Potential challenges of caregiving in relationships:
- Relationship imbalance: If one partner consistently takes on a caregiving role without reciprocity, it can lead to resentment and dissatisfaction.
- Lack of reciprocity: Feeling like your efforts are not appreciated or reciprocated by your partner.
To be fair, this is not something asked for (per se), rather a role I seemingly fill. And possibly the root of the emotional connections I form, much to my newfound chagrin - as I cannot operate without it. I have discussed with others the wondrous benefits of partnering with another caregiver for a self-sustaining cycle of reciprocity within a romantic relationship, but to date have been unable to form an emotional connection with someone who has simultaneously formed one with me, much to my long-suffering chagrin.
The next chapter on this subject will delve into *why* I am the way I am - what caused me to become a caregiver in my relationships.