Episode 36: Why Narcissists Choose Codependent Partners — And Why It’s Not What You Think

Codependency gets talked about a lot online, but most explanations don’t actually help people understand what was really happening inside these relationships.

In this episode of Set Apart + Called, we look at why narcissistic abuse and codependent patterns often become intertwined in ways that are difficult to recognize while you’re living through them. Not because someone is weak or “just won’t leave,” but because empathy, responsibility, and the instinct to repair relationships can slowly be turned against you.

We also talk about love bombing, emotional manipulation, and why trauma bonds can make narcissistic relationships so hard to walk away from—even when you start seeing the truth.

If you’ve ever looked back at a relationship and wondered why it lasted as long as it did, this conversation helps explain what was really happening beneath the surface.