Why do people stay in codependent relationships? What keeps them coming back? Codependency is born out of a need for love, affirmation, and approval. We all have a deep need to be loved and accepted, but codependent people go about trying to get their needs met in all the wrong ways. Instead of looking to themselves for love and approval, they seek it from others. This often leads to them staying in relationships that are not good for them. They may stay in abusive relationships or relationships where the other person constantly takes advantage of them. There are many reasons people stay in codependent relationships. It is often because they have low self-esteem and believe they do not deserve any better. They may also stay because they are afraid of being alone. They may believe they cannot make it on their own and need someone else to take care of them. Codependent people often find it difficult to communicate their needs. They are afraid of rejection or of being seen as needy. As a result, they stay in relationships where their needs are not being met. They may also stay in relationships where they are being treated poorly because they believe that is the best they can do.