I am aware that I have caretaking tendencies. In fact, I make my living helping people all day, every day. I am a father who will do anything for my family. I am a front-line advocate for friends who need an open ear or soft shoulder to lean on. I care out of choice, within my power, because I am available to give. I am not codependent. At least that is what I thought. For years I had categorized codependency as a diagnostic issue. A bad thing. Something people struggle with